The Madison Fire Department's Lake Rescue Team responded to a boat fire on Lake Mendota this morning. Firefighters and rescue divers were sent to the fire at 9:45 AM.

The boat, located about 300 yards off shore from Captain Bill's restaurant, was fully engulfed in flames when fire crews arrived in the area. The lake rescue team launched two boats to fight the fire and assist any occupants of the boat who may be in danger.

The 23-foot long ski boat was completely destroyed by the flames and began to sink during extinguishment. Boats from the Dane County Sheriff's Office and the UW Lifesaving Station also responded to the fire and assisted on scene.

Shortly after launching the boat, the four people onboard report that it lost power and they noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. They were unable to extinguish the fire with their extinguisher and abandoned the boat. A nearby boater helped them out of the water. Nobody was injured.

A barge will be brought in to remove the partially submerged boat from the water. Buoys were placed in the water to mark the area and warn other boaters. Damage to the boat and its equipment is estimated at $90,000.