A series of separate marina fires in Sydney and Perth have resulted in significant damage to vessels and prompted extensive emergency responses.
In Sydney's The Spit marina, three superyachts sank and a fourth was damaged after an early morning blaze, leading to one hospitalization for smoke inhalation. Separately, four boats were destroyed and submerged following a fire at Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth, with investigations into the cause ongoing.
Sydney Marina Fire: The Spit
Early Morning Blaze and Emergency Response
An incident involving a yacht fire occurred at The Spit marina in Mosman, Sydney, shortly before 3:30 AM on Friday. Emergency services, including Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police Marine Command, and the Port Authority of NSW, were dispatched following reports of a vessel engulfed in flames.
Upon arrival, a single vessel was observed to be significantly affected by fire. Police initiated the evacuation of surrounding vessels, and occupants of nearby boats were alerted. Four individuals were evacuated from the affected yacht. One woman received treatment from NSW Ambulance paramedics for smoke inhalation and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
Significant Damage and Environmental Impact
The fire resulted in three superyachts sinking and a fourth sustaining considerable damage, with authorities estimating the damage to be in the millions of dollars.
Forty firefighters were deployed to contain the blaze, supported by a NSW ports authority fire tug. Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry noted that the density of vessels and residents in the marina presented a potential for wider impact.
Following the extinguishment of the fires, decontamination procedures were initiated. The Port Authority of NSW collaborated with emergency services to deploy containment booms and establish an exclusion zone to manage debris, fuel, and oil in Middle Harbour. Transport for NSW secretary Josh Murray acknowledged the collaborative response in containing the blaze and restricting pollution. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) was briefed on the incident.
Investigation and Marina Context
Initial police inquiries concluded the fire was not considered suspicious.
Investigations into the cause will be conducted by police with assistance from fire rescue personnel. Owners and operators are now planning salvage operations for the sunken vessels. During the incident, one northbound lane of Spit Road was temporarily closed. The marina accommodates vessels up to 50 meters, including dedicated superyacht berths.
Perth Marina Fire: Hillarys Boat Harbour
Late Night Fire and Spreading Damage
In a separate incident, four boats were destroyed and subsequently sank following a fire at Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth's northern suburbs. Firefighters were dispatched to the harbour at 10:35 PM on an unspecified date, after reports of a boat fire.
The blaze originated on a single vessel and spread to adjacent boats. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services extinguished the fire around 2:00 AM. No occupants were reported to be on board the burning vessels.
Emergency Operations and HAZMAT Warning
Significant smoke plumes led to a HAZMAT warning for the area. Authorities, including the Department of Transport, are collaborating on pollution response efforts to contain fuel from the damaged boats within the immediate area. Plans are in place to engage a contractor for the refloating of the vessels.
Cause Undetermined, Salvage Efforts
Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the fire.
Scott Bulloch, a station officer at Duncraig Fire Station, stated that the submerged condition of the boats upon investigators' arrival complicated immediate cause determination, with further investigation expected to include video footage.
Recurring Incidents
This incident marks the second fire at Hillarys Boat Harbour within approximately four months, following a previous boat fire in September that involved a 30-foot vessel.