Fire-gutted motor yacht ‘Rendezvous’ salvaged from Torquay harbour

The 85ft yacht Rendezvous, which was destroyed by fire last month has been hoisted out of Torquay harbour.

As reported by MIN, fire ripped through the large motor yacht on 28 May while it was moored in Torquay. The cause of the fire is still unknown and no casualties were reported.

The 85ft Princess yacht was engulfed by flames and broke free from its mooring during the incident, drifting toward the pier, where it continued to burn. First-responders were able to secure it for damage control and the remains sank around four hours after the fire first started.

Since the incident, Tor Bay Harbour Authority has been working with MDL and the appointed wreck removal company on the salvage operation. On 28 June a lifting barge, weighing in at excess of 600t, arrived in the harbour.

Earlier this week, divers were in the water to make the final preparations for the salvage operation to begin.

Image courtesy of Tor Bay Harbour Authority and Beaches.

According to Torbay council, subject to weather and unforeseen circumstances, the lift will be completed by Thursday 30 June.

Footage captured by Torquay Marina of the salvage operation in action:

Once the salvage operation has been safely completed, Tor Bay Council says repairs to Princess Pier will begin and once safe to do so, Princess Pier will reopen to the public.

Images courtesy of Tor Bay Harbour Authority & Beaches unless otherwise stated.