Three rescued from burning vessel off Stinson Beach

Three people were rescued from a burning vessel about five miles west of Stinson Beach on Friday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard and CBS News Bay Area.

A good Samaritan vessel first reported smoke coming from the boat and a person waving their arms onboard, prompting a distress call just before noon.

Coast Guard lifeboat and helicopter crews were dispatched, but the good Samaritan had already rescued all three boaters before they arrived.

The rescued individuals were transferred to a Coast Guard lifeboat and taken to Pier 45, where their vessel had departed before catching fire and sinking.

The vessel's master said the boat rapidly took on water through an engine compartment on the stern side before sinking. The cause of the fire and sinking remains under investigation.