Yacht Fire Prompts Evacuations, Damages Nearby Boats at Marina Del Rey
Marina del Rey, CA - A 60-foot yacht caught fire and sank in a Marina del Rey dock on Friday evening, triggering a large emergency response and causing substantial damage to neighboring boats and the dock itself.
While no one was injured, the vessel's owner had to abandon the boat after unsuccessfully trying to extinguish the blaze that started around 6:30 p.m.
Nearby boats were evacuated as a precaution after the fire erupted, but the Los Angeles County Fire Department noted that the blaze spread to three adjacent vessels, resulting in major damage. The fire also engulfed the marina's dock, causing significant structural damage.
Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours and eventually extinguished it using foam and water. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but authorities have confirmed that ammunition and fireworks stored aboard the yacht ignited, fueling the intense flames.
The incident forced the temporary closure of the Marina del Rey harbor and prompted the evacuation of nearby homes due to the potential for explosions. Residents were allowed to return to their homes later that evening after the fire was contained and the remaining ammunition on the burning yacht was detonated under controlled conditions.
The yacht's owner, Dr. David J. Roberts, told reporters that he had been living on the vessel for the past two years and had stored ammunition and fireworks on board. "I've been protecting myself and my boat," Roberts said.
The fire has raised concerns about the safety of storing hazardous materials on boats in residential areas. Marina del Rey is a popular boating destination, and the incident has prompted calls for stricter regulations on the storage and use of ammunition and fireworks on vessels.
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