The Nelson Bay foreshore has been reopened to the public following a ‘suspicious’ fire at d’Albora Marina that sunk two commercial fishing boats and destroyed a third vessel last week.
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Port Stephens Council restricted access between the marina’s cruise terminal and the foreshore reserve a day after the August 8 fire to act on a clean-up order issued by the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
Having completed a clean-up of the bay and surrounding areas, the council reopened the reserve and beach to the public on Friday, in time for the Love Seafood weekend and markets set to be held at the marina and foreshore on August 18-19.
An investigation has been launched into the marina blaze which sunk two commercial business boats and damaged several others.
Emergency services were called to the marina on Teramby Road about 2.40am.
Two commercial game fishing boats called the Ultimate and the Hammerhead, which were moored next to each other, were well alight when crews arrived at the scene. Both ended up sinking.
A third boat – Port Stephens Parasailing – owned by Port Stephens Watersports was damaged beyond repair.
It took crews two hours to extinguish the blaze as toxic fumes from the firberglass boats filled the air.
The blaze was extinguished by crews from Fire & Rescue NSW and the Rural Fire Service.
Police are treating the fire as suspicious.
A spokeswoman for d'Albora Marinas released this statement after the fire:
“An incident occurred at d’Albora Marinas Nelson Bay in the early hours of this morning involving fire damage to several commercial vessels moored on the commercial arm (Arm C) of the marina.
“We are pleased to confirm that there are no reported injuries to any staff, customers or members of the public as a result of the fire.
“Local authorities have been on site and are conducting investigations into the incident.
“Arm C of the marina has limited access however the remainder of the marina is operating as usual. All other authorities associated with the marina and waterways have been notified of the incident.
“Any immediate enquiries should be directed to the police.”
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
