Catamaran ablaze in Poole

Both Poole lifeboats were immediately launched by UK Coastguard just after 8.30pm yesterday evening to a report of a boat on fire at Parkstone Yacht Club.

When the lifeboats arrived on scene, the vessel, a 10-metre catamaran yacht was well alight. Fortunately, no people were on board. 

According to the RNLI, the billowing acrid black smoke could be seen for miles. The vessel had been on a mooring when it had gone up in flames, a quick-thinking bystander ‘let it go’ so it would drift towards the breakwater to settle on the mud and away from other vessels.

Poole Coastguard Rescue Team and Southbourne Coastguards were also standing by and provided the safety cover, shoreside.

With gas canisters, 180lts of diesel, and no safe way to extinguish, The fire commander made the decision to let the vessel burn out on its own, Poole Coastguard Rescue Team reports.

“Poole Harbour Control are currently placing containment booms around the vessel to stop any possible pollution, and the fire service will monitor the vessel overnight, before plans are made in the morning with the owner, marina staff and agencies involved,’ a statement by Poole Coastguard Rescue Team reads. 

This takes the callouts for Poole Lifeboats to 77 so far this year.