Boat erupts in flames at St Kilda Pier

UPDATE: FIREFIGHTERS have asked residents to close all windows and doors as heavy smoke from a boat fire at St Kilda marina smothers surrounding areas.

FIREFIGHTERS have asked residents to close all windows and doors as heavy smoke from a boat fire at St Kilda marina smothers surrounding areas.

The MFB brought the blaze under control after the 13-metre catamaran on St Kilda marina, off Pier Rd, caught fire about 5pm.

The boat ablaze at St Kilda marina. Picture: Channel 7.

Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman Susannah Hicks said two people were assessed for smoke inhalation but no one was taken to hospital.

Melbourne Fire Brigade southern district Commander Lynch Wild said firefighters battled the blaze for more than an hour from seven trucks on land and from their own boat, with foam eventually extinguishing the erratic flames.

The aftermath of the boat fire in St Kilda. Picture: Jay Town

Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police, Parks Victoria and EPA, in addition to 32 firefighters, contributed to the efforts that eventually bought the blaze to an end.

Adjacent boats, which were endangered by the blaze, were also protected by firefirefighters on the scene.

Boat on fire in St Kilda. Flames are getting bigger. pic.twitter.com/1HjomL58tC

— Sugarpuss O'Shea (@EloiseLoRoss) January 20, 2015

#BREAKING: A large boat is on fire at St Kilda Marina. @Jacquifelgate is LIVE in #7NewsMelb at 6pm. pic.twitter.com/rl6shvXMOM

— 7NewsMelbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) January 20, 2015

The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed.

VicRoads has advised motorists to avoid the area if possible, with heavy smoke causing potentially dangerous conditions and congestion in the area.

The cost of the damage to the yacht is still unknown.