More twists in case of 15.2m yacht Scoundrel burned at Emu Park

There have been some interesting new twists in the case of a grounded 15.2m yacht that was suspiciously destroyed by fire on an Emu Park beach late last year.

The Queensland Government agency responsible for marine safety has confirmed it will take no action against the owner of a grounded yacht which burned in suspicious circumstances at the Capricorn Coast late last year.

This is despite the owner of the vessel having failed to comply with a first direction from Maritime Safety Queensland to remove it from Queensland waters by 4pm on October 28 - before the fire happened.

The unoccupied 15.2m yacht Scoundrel was destroyed by fire on Main Beach, Emu Park, in the early hours of November 24.

The burnt remains of the 15.2m yacht, Scoundrel, on Main Beach, Emu Park, on November 25, 2022. Photo: Darryn Nufer.

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by the owner of the yacht.

After the grounded Scoundrel was not removed by the first deadline, MSQ issued a second direction that it be removed by 4pm on November 28.

The second direction was complied with after the fire.

When MSQ was asked if any action would be taken in relation to the first removal deadline being missed, its acting general manager Jim Huggett said:

“Maritime Safety Queensland considered the owner’s engagement of a contractor to remove the vessel’s remains and clean up the beach satisfied the direction.

“A subsequent inspection of the beach by MSQ marine officers, Livingstone Shire Council representatives and the contractor confirmed removal of the vessel and clean-up of the beach.

“No further action was required of MSQ.”

The burnt yacht on November 25, 2022, with the Emu Park Surf Lifesaving Club in the background. Photo Darryn Nufer.

On Thursday, January 19, police confirmed their investigations into the Scoundrel fire had hit a dead end.

“Investigations into the incident were inconclusive,” a Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said.

That effectively means the police investigation will not actively continue unless new information comes to light.

“As always, police appeal for witnesses or information to come forward that may assist with the investigation,” the QPS spokeswoman said.

As reported previously by this publication, the Scoundrel fire was one of several incidents to happen at the Capricorn Coast overnight on November 23/24 last year.