Former '90s supermodel Kathy Ireland reveals husband Greg Olsen escaped burning boat after 'engine exploded' as she shares horrifying scene

Kathy Ireland revealed that her husband Greg Olsen escaped a burning boat after the 'engine exploded' this week as she gave a glimpse at the horrifying scene. 

The 63-year-old actress, who rose to fame as a supermodel in the '80s and '90s, jumped to her Instagram page on Friday as she reflected on the incident which occurred on Tuesday. 

She explained that Olsen had been on their commercial fishing vessel called the 4th Watch alone when the moment unfolded, before sending gratitude to God that her husband is safe and uninjured. 

'Life is really hard and really beautiful. God is great. I'm on the road for business and grandchildren so Greg was out alone,' she wrote in the caption. 

'Engine exploded and a fire quickly melted all navigation equipment and survival raft!' the star added. 

Ireland also thanked those who 'prayed and continue to pray and those who aided in the rescue. Most of all, we thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for this miracle of his survival. @4thwatchseafood.' 

She also gave a special shoutout to TowBoatUS and 'the entire community for responding so quickly.' 

In her note to Olsen, Ireland had written: 'My heart is both heavy and full. Heavy because I know the love, sweat and life you poured into this vessel.

'This vessel brought so much joy and so many blessings to our family and countless others. My heart is heavy with yours.'

The model explained that the 4th Watch had been 'more than a boat' before telling her husband that she is 'so thankful to all who rushed to pray and come to your rescue.

'I'm so thankful God gifted you with a brilliant mind to navigate this disaster so seamlessly. I'm eternally thankful to Him for loving and rescuing you.'

Ireland concluded with, 'Though the vessel is no more, the 4th Watch is forever. You named that boat so profoundly. He has so much ahead for you! I'm so proud of you.'

She additionally shared a passage from The Book of Isaiah as well as, 'He walks on what we fear. Love, You First, Only and Forever Mate.'

The actress uploaded a short reel which captured the vessel on fire as black smoke nearly engulfed the entire boat which still floated on the water. 

According to a separate post shared by @towboatus_ventura, the incident took place 'approximately 20 nautical miles west of Santa Barbara Harbor.' 

It was further explained that Olsen 'attempted to extinguish the fire before ultimately activating his EPIRB and abandoning ship into a kayak.'

The post also read, 'A well-prepared mariner, good samaritans nearby, and commercial vessels equipped and ready to respond made all the difference...' 

The incident occurred around 3:30pm on Tuesday off the shore of El Capitan State Beach in Santa Barbara County, according to the California Post. 

After jumping from the boat, Olsen came across a good Samaritan who helped him to safety and Ireland's husband did not sustain injuries, the outlet reported. 

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department also responded to the scene. 

Daily Mail has reached out to reps of Ireland for comment, but has yet to hear back. 

One week earlier, the model had shared photos of herself and Olsen on the vessel to Instagram. 

Ireland could be seen flashing a cheerful smile in a selfie while her husband also held a grin as he steered the 4th Watch. 

'Every day on the 4th Watch is an awesome adventure! It's a privilege to be First Mate with Greg,' she wrote.

'(I reject the title Deckhand. I'm very literal and it implies giving a hand on deck. I told Greg since I give my heart, soul, mind and body that doesn't fit. Crew is a good title, but since I’m his wife, I like First Mate!),' the star added.  

Olsen also took to the vessel's Instagram account on Thursday to share a picture of the boat. 

He then penned, 'I loved her. This is how she deserves to be remembered. I'm so so sad.' 

The former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model tied the knot with Olsen in 1988, and the couple are parents to three children: Erik, 32, Lily, 27, and Chloe, 23. 

Back in August, the lovebirds rang in their 38th wedding anniversary and Ireland shared a throwback photo from their wedding day to celebrate the special milestone.

'Happy 38th Anniversary to my most amazing husband!!! Greg, thank you for loving me and staying by my side no matter what! Life with you is an awesome adventure!'

She then said that the 'secret to our lasting love is no secret at all. It's God's design. He is at the center of our marriage and it is He who equips us to see each other through His eyes. 

'My respect and love for you is bigger than life! It's a privilege to experience God working through you in such powerful ways! Your character, courage and conviction are beautiful! I love you always, Your forever and only First Mate❤️.' 

Ireland rose to prominence in the modeling industry in the '80s and '90s, and landed covers on magazines such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Teen and Forbes. 

She was also featured in 13 consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues and landed three covers for the publication.