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Yacht worth £6m goes up in flames in Torquay
28 May 2022 • 2:59pm
Torquay seafront has been evacuated after an 85-foot long yacht caught fire in the harbour.
Eight fire engines responded to a large fire in Torquay harbour at lunchtime, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.
A spokesperson said: "85ft motorboat on fire. Fire crews called at 11.57am. Eight fire engines on the scene. Liaising with the harbourmaster."
The fire service confirmed that the inferno has taken hold on the pier as the flames spread along the mooring ropes that attached the burning boat to the shore.
The boat, an 85ft Princess which is thought to be worth £6million, reportedly drifted out into the harbour after the fire broke out onboard and the ropes securing it to the pier burnt through.
The cause of the fire is not yet known. Thick plumes of black smoke can be seen pouring from the vessel into the sky.
According to roads traffic and monitoring service, Inrix, the incident had caused traffic blocks in both directions along Torbay Road.
"A379 Torbay Road in both directions blocked," the service said.
"Queueing traffic due to fire services activity from Torquay Harbour to Vaughan Road."
@DevonLiveNews Boat on fire in Torquay harbour pic.twitter.com/kwTxmNyv2D
— Mykie🏳️🌈 (@Mykie0121) May 28, 2022
Georgina Cleasby, a local resident, told ITV News she saw the fire while she was cycling past the harbour on her way home.
"We stood and watched for around 10 minutes until the smoke began to affect our chests."
"There was so much smoke it obscured the sun."
"We heard a few minor explosions and could also see flames."
Devon and Cornwall police have declared a major incident and are requesting the public avoid the area.
A police spokesman said: "Police were called at 12.10pm today [Saturday 28 May] 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. 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.
"A number of road closures have been put in place.''
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/05/28/yacht-worth-6m-goes-flames-torquay/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYfC8w4VEKo