A Williamstown-based boat with two men on board caught fire in Port Phillip Bay on Saturday, prompting a reminder for boaters to fire-proof their vessels.
Firefighters were called to the burning boat off Station Pier in Port Melbourne shortly after 12.30pm.
The MFB’s Commander Steve Watts said the fire was caused by the engine on the Hobsons Bay Yacht Club vessel overheating.
“The engine overheated and smoke and steam started coming out of the engine bay compartment,” Commander Watts said. “The two people on board actually tried to extinguish the fire, and they did a reasonably good job but then it was so hot that they weren’t then game to keep the engine covers open. So they shut them down and radioed for assistance through the coast guard.”
Twelve firefighters and members of the water police responded to the call from the Volunteer Coast Guard.
MFB spokesman Ross Duncan said the fire was contained to electrical wiring in the engine compartment.
“A Volunteer Coast Guard vessel assisted with towing the vessel to Ann Street Pier, Williamstown, where it was examined by MFB crews using thermal imaging equipment before being declared safe, allowing the vessel to be surveyed by a marine mechanic for damage,” he said.
The two men on board were not injured.
Since July, there have been six fires in Port Phillip Bay. Maritime Safety Victoria spokesman Paul Corkill said the latest incident served as a reminder for all boaters to fire-proof their vessels.
“There are steps you can take to minimise the chance of a boat fire,” he said.
“Have the fuel and electrical systems checked over by a marine mechanic. It’s important that there be no passengers on board when refuelling or restarting after refuelling.
“Boaters are also reminded to keep the fire extinguisher in good order and placed in an easily accessible location on the vessel.”
For more boating fire safety information, visit www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au.
