Lucky escape after boat goes up in flames near Moreton Island

A couple and their pet jack russel have been rescued after narrowly escaping when their boat burst into flames off the southeast Queensland coast this morning.

A couple and their dog have made a lucky escape after their yacht caught fire in Moreton Bay this morning.

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said water police responded to the fire southwest of Moreton Island at 5.38am and rescued a 64-year-old man, a 53-year-old woman and their pet jack russel, Charlie, after they escaped in their tender.

The blaze was extinguished with the assistance of Queensland Fire and Emergency services.

Charlie the jack russel escape the fire uninjured alongside his owners. Picture: QPS

The Victorian couple and their pet, who live on the boat, were not injured and were transported to the Brisbane Water Police facility at the Port of Brisbane.

Currently monitoring a yacht fire off Moreton Island just north of Frazer's Gutter. pic court of @MarineTraffic pic.twitter.com/Cv9zdXmM8d

— SEQUEST (@SEQUESTQLD) April 11, 2019

Acting Senior Sergeant Jay Bairstow from Brisbane Water Police said it was a timely reminder for boaties to check their vessel is safe and to ensure they have the required safety gear ahead of the busy Easter period.

Charlie the jack russel on board a Brisbane Water Police boat. Picture: QPS

“Communicate their travel details so people know where you are and when you are expected to return,” he said in a statement.

Police said the fire was not considered suspicious and its cause was being investigated.

The burning yacht southwest of Moreton Island. Picture: Queensland Police Service

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