Photo: Tim Dunn/WBZ
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) – Emergency crews had their hands full Monday night after a large boat caught fire near the New Bedford-Fairhaven bridge.
The fire broke out just after 5:30 pm on an 85-foot yacht in the New Bedford Harbor. The yacht, called The MISS DUNIA, was reported to belong to the owner of Fleet Marina and at Pope’s Island.
The fire reportedly grew from a small smolder to an inferno within 20 minutes. Smoke from the fire made it hard for firefighters to see as they battled the massive flames.
New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Kruger said the yacht was heavily involved upon arrival
“They found it was a very large yacht,” he said. “They got an additional report of a smaller fire below deck.”
The size of the yacht made it even more difficult for crews as the 500-gallon fuel tank allowed the fire to burn for hours.
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Chief Kruger said this presented a specific challenge to responders.
“These fires are very, very difficult to ventilate,” he said. “Heat accumulates rather quickly.”
The bridge is now back open as crews work to remove the damaged vessel from the harbor. Chief Kruger says this effort could also be prolonged.
“It’s a pretty complex operation," he said. "We’re going to be here for quite some time.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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