Kathy Ireland is grateful that her husband, Dr. Greg Olsen, survived after his boat caught fire while he was alone at sea.
In an Instagram post, the 63-year-old actress shared footage of the vessel, named 4th Watch, engulfed in flames. Ireland said Olsen was out on the water while she was away on business when the engine exploded. The fire quickly destroyed the boat’s navigation equipment and life raft.
Ireland thanked those who prayed for Olsen and the people who helped bring him to safety, including the local rescue team and members of the Ventura community. She also credited her faith, calling his survival a miracle.
She shared a message she had written to her husband, saying she felt both heartbroken over the loss of a boat he had put so much work and care into, and deeply thankful for the support they received. The vessel had brought joy to their family and many others, she wrote.
Ireland also praised Olsen for handling the emergency and said she was grateful he had made it through. Though the boat was gone, she wrote, its name and the memories attached to it would remain. She told him she was proud of him and believed he had much ahead of him.
Fans offered messages of support, with some sharing their own experiences of losing possessions in fires. Several said they were relieved Olsen was safe, while acknowledging how difficult it must be to lose the boat and its equipment.
TowBoatUS Ventura said it received a report of the fire around 3 p.m. Wednesday. The boat was about 20 nautical miles west of Santa Barbara Harbor.
The rescue organization said Olsen first tried to put out the fire, then activated his emergency beacon and abandoned the vessel in a kayak. It praised him for being prepared and said the help of nearby boaters and commercial vessels contributed to the outcome. The incident, it added, showed how important preparation and cooperation are at sea.
Ireland and Olsen married in San Diego in August 1988. They have three children: Erik, 32, Lily, 27, and Chloe, 23.
The couple marked their 38th wedding anniversary this year. Ireland wrote that their faith is central to their marriage and said she admires Olsen’s character, courage and convictions. She described life with him as an adventure and reaffirmed her love for him.
