DEADLY YACHT FIRE MYSTERY
WHAT HAPPENED ON THE GYPSY?
Cops pick through charred wreckage
MYSTERY surrounds a fire that engulfed a yacht on Geelong’s waterfront, killing its two occupants.
Police divers spent most of yesterday scouring waters near a North Geelong jetty as investigators worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
It’s understood the yacht — named Gypsy — had been docked off the small Mackey St jetty for at least a month and was home to a man and woman in their mid-50s.
MYSTERY surrounds a fire that engulfed a yacht, killing its two occupants on Wednesday night.
Police divers spent most of Thursday scouring waters near a North Geelong jetty as investigators worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
But police still have not revealed any details about the cause of the fire.
It’s understood the yacht — named Gypsy — had been docked off the small Mackey St jetty for at least a month and was home to a man and woman in their mid-50s.
Geelong Trailable Yacht Club secretary John Mole, whose office is near the scene, described the fire as a tragedy.
“It’s just tragic really, and even though they shouldn’t have been here, you wouldn’t wish this on anybody,” he said.
Mr Mole said the boat had been moored at another nearby jetty for about a year before moving to its current location about a month ago.
It is understood living on a yacht is not permitted at the jetty and the man and woman had no association with the yacht club.
Emergency services were called to the jetty about 6.30pm when fire engulfed the yacht.
Plumes of smoke could be seen for some distance. Police spokeswoman Nikki Ladgrove said firefighters extinguished the blaze and located two people, who are yet to be formally identified, deceased at the scene.
“Arson squad detectives are investigating with the assistance of the water police and search and rescue officers, who are working to ensure the safety of the vessel during the investigation,” she said.
Mr Mole said he suspected the fire might have been caused by an LPG gas problem.
“I have been told there was a bit of an explosion associated with it, which is a common LPG problem,” he said.
Police remain on site. Anyone with information n is urged to contact Crime me Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au.
“It’s just tragic really, and even though they shouldn’t have been here, you wouldn’t wish this on anybody,”