Recreational Fishers Save Man After Mercury Bay Blaze
A man has escaped unharmed after a dramatic fire engulfed his 13-metre aluminium boat near Centre Island in Mercury Bay on Tuesday afternoon (April 22).
The blaze sent thick black smoke into the sky, visible from Cooks Beach, and triggered a swift rescue response from nearby fishermen and emergency services.
According to the Waikato Regional Council, the skipper discovered the fire on board and quickly deployed a life raft. He was soon picked up by recreational fishermen who had spotted the smoke around 2:30 p.m.
Authorities confirmed the man did not require medical attention.
A harbourmaster vessel with three maritime officers was dispatched to the scene, arriving shortly after 3 pm. An exclusion zone was established to ensure public safety.
Although the vessel sustained hull damage, it remained afloat. Council officers have been working to secure it in place.
Deputy Regional Harbourmaster Hayden Coburn told RNZ that the fire’s intensity likely consumed most of the 300 litres of fuel onboard.
“There’s a lot of acrid smoke coming from the boat, so it’s not safe at this stage to set up containment booms,” Coburn said.
“We’ll continue monitoring for any environmental impacts from residual diesel and debris, as well as the navigation safety risk.”
The boat’s skipper is in contact with his insurer and will arrange for salvage operations.
Council maritime officers are coordinating with Coastguard, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Maritime New Zealand, and police.
Police confirmed the sole person aboard the vessel was accounted for. The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined. Investigations are ongoing.
