A B.C. ferry raced to the rescue of two fishermen in Georgia Strait after their vessel caught fire off Nanaimo.

A couple from the Blaine, W.A.-area were in their 46 foot gillnetter when it burst into flames Thursday night. Fortunately, they had enough time to jump onto a dingy and call for help.

The Queen of Cowichan had left the Departure Bay terminal on its 7 p.m. sailing when the Coast Guard radioed the ship to request assistance.

The ferry made a quick turn as soon as it heard the news and headed toward the burning vessel.

As fire engulfed their boat, the couple, a 25-year-old man and his 31-year-old wife, watched from their skiff. All they had been able to save was their cellphone, laptop computer and their emergency
suits.

Earlier in the day, the boat had broken down near Campbell River and had required a tow. Just hours later, it was covered in flames.

Just 15 minutes after the Queen of Cowichan received the mayday call for help, the ferry was close enough to send out a zodiac to recover the couple.

The Americans were returning from Alaska and had just bought the boat three months ago.

Passengers praised the ferry's crew for the quick response and for keeping everyone informed about the rescue.

A Coast Guard hovercraft from Richmond escorted the ferry into the Horseshoe Bay terminal at West Vancouver.