Three yachts have sunk and a fourth sustained significant damage following a fire at The Spit marina in Mosman, Sydney, early on Friday morning. Emergency services responded to reports of a vessel on fire shortly before 3:30 AM. One individual received medical attention for smoke inhalation, and authorities have initiated investigations into the incident, which police do not consider suspicious.
Incident Details
The fire originated on a yacht at The Spit marina, located on Sydney's lower north shore, near the Spit Bridge. Emergency services were alerted to the blaze at approximately 3:30 AM on Friday. Four individuals were evacuated from the affected vessel.
One woman was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for smoke inhalation and transported to a hospital in stable condition.
Emergency Response and Containment
Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police Marine Command, the Port Authority of NSW, and NSW Maritime were among the agencies deployed to the scene. Forty firefighters were involved in containing the blaze. Superintendent Adam Dewberry of Fire and Rescue NSW noted the potential for greater destruction, given the density of vessels and residents at the marina.
Police initiated the evacuation of surrounding vessels, and occupants of nearby boats were alerted. Following the extinguishing of the fires, decontamination procedures were scheduled to commence. The Port Authority of NSW, in collaboration with emergency services, deployed containment booms to manage debris, fuel, and oil on the water. A containment boom and exclusion zone were established around the marina to restrict the spread of pollution into Middle Harbour.
Damage and Aftermath
The incident resulted in three large yachts sinking, with a fourth sustaining considerable damage. The estimated damage from the fire is reported to be in the millions of dollars.
Initial police inquiries have concluded that the fire is not considered suspicious. Investigations into the cause of the fire will be led by police, with assistance from fire rescue.
Transport for NSW secretary Josh Murray acknowledged the efforts of the responding agencies in containing the blaze and limiting the spread of pollution and debris. Owners and operators of the affected vessels are now planning a salvage operation. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has been briefed regarding the incident.
The marina at The Spit is known for accommodating large yachts, with berths for vessels up to 50 meters, including dedicated superyacht berths. During the morning hours, one northbound lane of Spit Road was temporarily closed.