24m commercial boat destroyed in huge fire overnight in Frances Bay at Hornibrook’s Wharf
EXPLOSIONS shook Darwin CBD as a large commercial vessel went up in flames in a spectacular fire at Hornibrook’s Wharf in Frances Bay. SEE THE VIDEOS, PICTURES here
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
EXPLOSIONS shook Darwin CBD early Wednesday morning as a large commercial vessel went up in flames in a spectacular fire at Hornibrook’s Wharf in Frances Bay.
The huge blaze sent choking plumes of smoke across the Darwin CBD setting off alarms at hotels and shocking guests awake.
NT Police said emergency services were called to the wharf just after 3.30am following multiple reports of explosions and fire.
Guardian Offshore AU managing director Darren Kolln said the vessel which caught alight, the 24m MV Guru, only docked at the wharf on Monday where it was to undergo maintenance before setting sail for Papua New Guinea on Saturday.
Mr Kolln said the boat cost in the “tens of millions” and it would be up to insurers as to whether it was a write-off or not.
A nearby resident of a high-rise hotel and apartment complex woke to the sound of fire alarms which had been set off by the smoke billowing over from the building from the boat fire.
Tash Nascha said the smoke was thick enough that she initially thought it was the
Ramada Suites Zen Quarter that was alight.
“Shortly after the announcement came through that we won’t have to evacuate and that it was a neighbouring house,” she said.
“I was interested to find out what was happening exactly and went to the other side of my building to find the boat alight.
“All I could think of was I hope no crew was asleep in that boat when it happened and trapped in their tiny sleeping spot in the bottom of the boat.
“I used to work on fishing boats like this size 10 years ago – this is nightmare material.”
Mr Kolln said the MV Guru was bought in 2015 and, of late, had been contracted to be used in PNG for seabed mapping.
“Extent of the damage is not good, it’s reasonably extensive I can’t quantify it as yet,” he said.
“We’re very fortunate that it was unmanned.”
Mr Kolln said the boat had no power going to it at the time of the blaze.
Police set up a crime scene and fireys were still hosing down and mopping up aboard the boat into mid-morning.
NT NEWS sizzling new deal: Get all your news for just $5 a month
Witnesses said the fire was “huge” and has completely destroyed the top level of the boat.
Originally published as 24m commercial boat destroyed in huge fire overnight in Frances Bay at Hornibrook’s Wharf