A fierce fire engulfed three luxury yachts early Friday morning at a marina on the Miami River, resulting in millions in losses and prompting a significant response from Miami-Dade firefighters.
The authorities are investigating the incident as an arson, as confirmed to WSVN by detectives from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO).
The fire broke out around 3:30 AM in the 3200 block of Northwest North River Drive, near the Miami Marine Center and the Jones Boat Yard.
More than 30 units from the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) responded to the emergency and found three vessels engulfed in flames, two measuring 60 feet and one 90 feet in length.
The rescue teams tackled the flames from both land and water, using special foam to prevent the fire from spreading to other vessels. The thick black smoke was visible from Miami International Airport.
Despite the firefighters' efforts, one of the vessels sank, while another was completely consumed by flames and was left almost underwater, with only the bow visible, according to the report from WSVN. The third vessel stayed afloat, but its rear was melted and charred.
By around 6:30 am, the fire was brought under control, although the units remained on site to contain the fuel spill and "minimize the environmental impact on the water," according to MDFR in an email to Local 10.
The department reported that they used oil absorbent barriers to prevent the spread of toxic waste in the river.
"MDFR uses specialized oil spill response equipment that involves an oil-absorbing boom. This robust, net-like sleeve encases a highly absorbent material that soaks up oil and sheen from the surface," the message detailed.
Shortly after extinguishing the flames, the county Sheriff's Office and firefighters launched an investigation into the causes of the fire, which is being treated as a possible intentional act.
Witnesses in the area revealed to Telemundo 51 that they heard an explosion before the fire quickly spread through the vessels. Although there were no deaths or injuries to report, the value of the losses is estimated to be in the millions of dollars.
Authorities continue to gather evidence and analyze security footage to determine whether the fire was intentionally set.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Yacht Fire on the Miami River
How did the fire on the yachts in the Miami River occur?
The fire started around 3:30 am on the 3200 block of Northwest North River Drive, consuming three luxury yachts. Miami-Dade firefighters responded quickly, using special foam to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other vessels.
Was the yacht fire intentional?
The authorities have launched an investigation to determine if the fire was deliberately set. It is being treated as a possible intentional act, and security footage is being analyzed to gather evidence.
Were there environmental damages due to the fire?
The fire caused a fuel spill in the Miami River. The firefighters used oil absorbent barriers to contain the toxic waste and minimize the environmental impact on the water.
Were there any injuries reported in the yacht fire?
Despite the scale of the fire and the material losses, no injuries or fatalities were reported in the incident that occurred on the Miami River.
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