Massive marina fire destroys 4 yachts in Greece
Gouvia marina fire
At least four yachts have been destroyed by a large blaze that broke out at Gouvia Marina, on the Greek island of Corfu.
Reports state that a small motoryacht, a classic wooden ketch and two sailing catamarans, were engulfed in flames during the incident, which took place on Wednesday evening (7 September).
The fire is understood to have started at about 4pm local time. By 6.15pm, state broadcaster ERT reported that three plastic-hulled yachts had sunk, and a wooden-hulled yacht built in 1929 was still on fire but afloat.
Vlogger eSysman Superyachts reports an eye witness who states: “I am led to believe a small fire started on a motor yacht, it then spread to its starboard side to a next berth, which may be a motor cat, then to a catamaran, then to a classic ketch.”
The 29m classic ketch Halcyon, built in 1929, was towed out of the marina after catching fire. Unfortunately, damage to the hull and the weight of water used to extinguish the flames caused the vessel to sink.
The cause of the fire on the ship is still unknown. No one was on board the vessels, and no injuries have been reported. Local media reports that fire investigators arrived at the scene shortly after the blaze.
ERT comments that it is fortunate the fire started at the edge of the pier, not in the centre, where dozens of sailboats were anchored. Attended yachts in the area were pulled to safety before the fire could reach them.
Reports on social media state that before the fire crews arrived, people on the nearby dock worked to help, by cutting the ropes to release the burning vessels or towing yachts away from the blaze.
Gouvia is one of the largest marinas in Greece, and has a combined capacity for 960 boats on fixed and floating docks.
This is the latest in a long list of yacht disasters that have occurred in recent months. Earlier this week, the 49m superyacht 007 capsized in Greece, after running aground in Kythnos. Also this week, the 28m Sunseeker Black Diamond was destroyed in a fire at the IMS Shipyard in Saint-Mandrier, France.
Last month, the brand new ISA superyacht Aria SF was engulfed by fire while cruising off the coast of Formentera in Spain. Also in August, MIN reported on the sinking of a 39m yacht in Italy, and prior to that, the 26m Kapky sank off the Turkish coast. A 49m schooner also sank in June after being hit by a supply vessel in a Spanish port.
