Boat Fire

At about 0430 hrs this morning Maritime Police attended the scene of a boat fire in Shark Bay Ponui Island. Maritime Police transported fire personal to the scene and on arrival the vessel was burnt to the water line and was sinking. A 48 year old male was located on the shore and was rescued.

It appears the fire was started in the galley and spread through the vessel rapidly causing the 48 year old sole male occupant to abandon his vessel by jumping into the water. He made his way to shore and was rescued shortly after by Maritime Police.

The sole occupant received minor injuries. The vessel sunk and was not recovered.