Debris alert after yacht blaze
AWARNING has been issued about floating debris from a multi-million pound-superyacht that was destroyed in a massive fireball.
The vessel, recently listed for sale at £3 million, is now submerged at the bottom of Torquay Harbour.
The massive blaze broke out on Saturday with smoke seen billowing across the blue skies above the heads of shocked sunbathers in the seaside town in Devon.
The Tor Bay Harbourmaster has now warned mariners to beware of the sunken shell of the superyacht Rendezvous, which is currently resting at the bottom of the harbour.
And further warnings were issues about “floating debris” which includes a large amount of waste items including “gin bottles and cushions”.
Rob Parsons, the Tor Bay Harbourmaster, said: “Please be aware that there is a sunken vessel located against the edge of Princess Pier (approx N 50° 21’ 33.77 W 003° 31’ 50.32) west of the main MDL marina.
“The vessel is surrounded by a number of anti-pollution booms, some of which are anchored to the harbour base.
“The area will be lit during the night.
“Mariners using this part of Torquay harbour are advised to navigate with care and at a slow speed.”
The Environment Agency had confirmed that officers were helping with advice and guidance on bathing water, and on Saturday issued two pollution alerts for the nearest beaches to the marina.
More pollution recovery equipment was also expected to arrive from Birmingham.
Steve Darling, Torbay council leader, told reporters that there was a large amount of “detritus – gin bottles and cushions and the like floating in the water” which had come from the luxury craft, built by Princess Yachts in Plymouth, Devon.
He said that he and his fellow councillors had been given some information regarding the clean-up operation currently under way and confirmed that officers from the local authority would be carrying out an inspection of the damaged pier.
He said: “That’s the crucial thing, because it is usually a good vantage point for the public who wish to see the airshow.
“I’m asking for our officers to give all elected members an update on the vessel, such as how much was on it in terms of diesel, how much has been recovered from the water, their thoughts on the pier and then we will share this information with the media and the public.”
The Environment Agency reported that the blaze could have resulted in nine tonnes of diesel being spilled into the ocean.