Fire crews respond to a boat fire at Newcastle Marina along Stewart Ave. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

FIRE

‘Heard a boom:’ boats catch fire at Nanaimo marina, one person severely injured

Jul 14, 2022 | 5:37 PM

NANAIMO — Two boats have caught fire at the Newcastle Marina, sinking one and badly damaging another, while one person was left severely burned.

Fire Rescue crews were alerted to the situation in the 1200 block of Stewart Ave., just after 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 14 and a big plume of black smoke was quickly visible from the area. Both boats were fully involved in fire when crews arrived.

Dave Sweeney and his wife were at nearby Sealand Pho restaurant and called 911.

“We were just sitting on the deck, heard a boom and a huff of black smoke. I phoned 911 and the aftermath is what you see. I’m thinking a propane tank maybe, but it was kind of a soft boom, normally propane is one hell of a big bang so I really don’t know.”

Sweeney added people nearby quickly jumped in to help out.

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“There were probably six or eight local guys had garden hoses, pumps from the marina.”

Over a dozen firefighters and multiple engines were on scene working the fire, with Nanaimo RCMP also attending. It was quickly doused once crews arrived.

Support was also given by Nanaimo Port Authority crews, who are looking after any environmental ramifications from the sunken vessel.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue Capt. Tom Krall said on scene one person was badly injured in the incident.

“One patient was severely burned, at least 50 per cent of their body. They’re being transported to Victoria to their burn unit.”

No word on the cause of the fire, which is under investigation.

Thick black smoke was visible across large sections of Nanaimo as a result of the fire. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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