The yacht, once owned by actor John Wayne, sustained minor damage, preliminary reports suggest.

BY CINDY CARCAMOTHE

NEWPORT BEACH Firefighters evacuated passengers from the "Wild Goose" yacht Sunday after a small fire was reported in the exhaust stack, Newport Beach Fire Department spokeswoman Jennifer Schulz said."

It was a very little fire but the potential was there for it to be something," she added.At about 2 p.m. Sunday, firefighters got a call about smoke coming from a vessel once owned by legendary actor John Wayne, Schulz said.

The yacht's captain noticed a problem and got it back to dock. Schulz said. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire within moments but had to evacuate the passengers and crew because the boarding steps had sustained damage from getting the vessel back to dock, Schulz said.

It's unclear how many people evacuated the boat, she added. The vessel sustained minor damage, Schulz said.

The Wild Goose is operated by Hornblower Cruises and Events. It was once a 1942 minesweeper which John Wayne bought in 1965, according to the company's Web site.

- Orange County Register

Thanks for posting this Kevin,
I wonder if Duke is looking into this!!

I can just imagine the Duke standing on the deck watching over things.

The Wild Goose used to be berthed in front of the Duke's house in the neighborhood I grew up. It's a beautiful vessel, so glad to hear the damage was minimal!

And regarding Kevin's comment: After the Duke passed away I remember hearing vague rumors that the boat was haunted, and you could hear the sound of boots with spurs walking the floorboards when no one was there. I don't generally believe in that sort of thing, but it was fun to imagine when I was little :-)

Thanks for posting the article Kevin!

TGC

It was once a 1942 minesweeper which John Wayne bought in 1965

Wonder if it's possible to determine the minesweeper's WW2 name or bow number? My favorite uncle served aboard a minesweeper in the Pacific during WW2 and that would be a thrill to discover that he served aboard the same boat Big John bought.

He's long dead but my cousins (his kids) are naturally still alive and they'd probably get a kick out of knowing the same information.

Hi Jim

Information from On Board with Duke states she was commissioned in 1943 and was stationed off Alaska for duration of war and decommissioned in 1948.

No ship number is mentioned but she had the same design as YMS class of minesweeper.

Mike

This might track down your Uncle's boat or Duke's if you know the history or get a name.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Mike

I doubt that she was my uncle's boat, Mike, since you said she was commissioned in 1943 and stationed off Alaska for the duration. My uncle served in the western Pacific and in fact, went ashore in Japan when the war ended.

I am Not Much into Boats, But here is What was on the Wall of Duke's Den, and said "Before and After" I hope this helps ?
My Wife and I were on Her One time, But when Duke had Her, Not when She was still in the Navy !
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

:wink_smile:
Bill
:cowboy:

Its great that a piece of the legend was not badly damaged or lost for ever.We need things today to remind us that the legend is still around and that we still think about the greatest cowboy of all times.Its really great theGoose was not badly damaged and no one was hurt. Lo g live the DUKE in our minds and hearts.:wink_smile: :hyper:Happy New Year Duke Fans Every Where:hyper:

Happy New Year and WELCOME to the Original John Wayne Message Board, herbert welborn!! Congratulations on getting your feet wet and making your first post!

Have fun learning more about John Wayne and his movies and co-stars!

We look forward to getting to know you better in the days and weeks to come!

Chester :newyear: and the Mrs. :angel1:

Hello and welcome to the board, herbert welborn. I hope you make yourself at home. As for the Wild Goose, I'm glad it didn't suffer too much damage. While it has been modernized and changed to accomidate tour groups and partys since the days Duke walked its deck, it is still the boat he loved so much. It would have been a pitty to lose it.

Mark