Fire crews are currently battling a fire on board a superyacht. A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said that three fire engines are currently the scene after the 85ft motorboat went up in flames. Images from the scene show thick black plumes of spoke billowing from the vessel along with ferocious flames.
Devon Live reporter Colleen Smith who attended the scene in Torquay said: "Witnesses say there were explosions. Ropes burnt through and it drifted into pier. Firemen took trolleys and pumps along pontoons but water not reaching. Some people are trapped on the other end of the pier and can’t get back. Firemen are running along the pier. Still huge flames."
At 3.15pm a major incident was declared with all businesses along the waterfront closed and the beach evacuated. Residents have been urged to keep doors and windows shut and people were told to avoid the area.
Here are more images and video from the scene:
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A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "85ft motorboat on fire. Fire crews called at 11.57am. Three fire engines on the scene. Liaising with the harbourmaster."
They added later in the afternoon: “We currently have fire appliances at Torquay marina fighting a fire on an 85ft private vessel. Please do keep away from the area. This has been declared a major incident. The beach has been evacuated and residents are being urged to keep doors and windows shut.”
Smoke has been seen all across South Devon and as far as Newton Abbot and Shaldon. One eyewitness described the blaze "like a fire ball. It is currently unknown if anyone has been injured in the fire.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said; “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.”
