Authorities launched an investigation into an explosion and fire incident on Thursday (September 19) which ultimately led to the sinking of a luxury yacht moored in Marina del Rey, which was carrying ammunition and fireworks.
According to the city news agency citing reports from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the fire broke out around 8:30 pm on Wednesday at Dock 211 Basin A, engulfing the approximately three-story, 100-foot-long vessel.
County fire officials stated in a Thursday morning announcement that the boat owner reported the presence of “1,000 rounds of unused ammunition and fireworks” onboard. Local residents reported hearing multiple explosions echoing in the harbor.
Fire officials reported that two people were able to safely disembark without injuries. The firefighters sprayed water on the burning vessel, but the boat was ultimately destroyed by the flames and sunk in the harbor. A hazardous materials team is scheduled to arrive at Marina del Rey on Thursday to assist in cleaning up the burnt vessel.
According to the Coast Guard’s report, the US Coast Guard Incident Management Team from the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is monitoring the cleanup operations and reported that the yacht “caught fire and released red diesel fuel.”
In a statement on Thursday morning, the USCG said, “The fire appears not to have damaged other vessels in the harbor.” The Coast Guard is working with Patriot Environmental Services and Clean Harbors to contain and recover the pollutants emitted by the yacht.
The USCG statement mentioned, “The reported fuel capacity of the yacht is 6,000 gallons.” Staff from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are also assisting in this effort.
The USCG statement noted, “The Oil Wildlife Care Network has been notified and is on standby to assist wildlife if needed.” There have been no reports of animals getting contaminated by oil spills at this time. For the safety of both the public and animals, do not attempt to capture oiled wildlife. If needed, please call 1-877-823-6926 to report.