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26-metre superyacht goes up in flames in Torquay

Updated / Sunday, 29 May 2022 14:09
No injuries were reported (Image: Mike Trower)
No injuries were reported (Image: Mike Trower)

Firefighters battled for hours to extinguish an inferno on a superyacht in Torquay.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said it had five fire appliances at the scene of the blaze, which ripped though the 26-metre vessel.

Dramatic footage circulating on social media showed black smoke and flames enveloping the white yacht, anchored in Torquay, Devon.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: "Police were called at 12.10pm today to Princess Pier in Torquay following reports of a fire on a yacht moored in the marina.

"The boat is believed to be well alight and had broken from the mooring. It has now been secured by the fire service near the pier.

"There have been no reported injuries at this time.

People have been urged to avoid the area (Image: Mike Trower)

"Emergency services remain at the scene where the incident is ongoing.

"Due to levels of smoke and fumes we are asking residents in the area to keep their doors and windows shut at this time.

"Members of the public are also urged to avoid the area and beaches are being cleared by officers for public safety."

Coast guard area commander for South Devon & South-East Cornwall Coastline Drew Parkinson tweeted: "We currently have Coastguards from across Devon and Cornwall assisting (police) with a full closure of Torquay seafront.

"Please avoid this area."

Cat Jones, a Liberal Democrat member of Torbay Council who witnessed the blaze, tweeted: "A yacht is on fire by Torquay marina it's like a fire ball!"

Meanwhile, the Environment Agency for the South West tweeted that its focus had turned to pollution, as the yacht had now sunk.

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Accreditation: PA