Flames Gut Interior of Large Yacht Docked at Marina del Rey

Fire Extinguished, No Injuries Reported

Firefighters arrived to the scene of a large yacht engulfed in flames at the Marina del Rey and quickly extinguished the blaze. No injuries were reported.

Fire Chief Dan Higgins said the fire was reported at 11:06 a.m. According to Marina del Rey Fire Department Division Chief Ron Haralson, the flames engulfed 70 percent of the yacht's interior, causing substantial damage to the vessel.

The yacht, which was docked at the end of a pier near Fiji Way, is believed to be a total loss. Damages are estimated to be more than $1 million.

Cause of Fire Under Investigation

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Investigators from the Marina del Rey Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department are looking into the cause of the fire.

Owners were not aboard the boat at the time of the fire. The investigation will include interviewing the owners and examining any possible electrical or mechanical issues that may have contributed to the fire.

Similar Incidents on the Rise

Unfortunately, Marina Del Rey has dealt with a considerable number of boat fires in recent years. In 2021, there were four reported boat fires in the marina. This past June, a 110-foot yacht went up in flames while docked at a marina in Redondo Beach.

"Boating is a popular activity in this area," said Haralson. "It's important for boat owners to take precautions to prevent fires."

Tips to Prevent Boat Fires

Haralson recommends the following tips to help prevent boat fires:

• Keep your boat clean and free of debris.
• Have your boat's electrical system inspected by a qualified marine electrician regularly.
• Make sure your boat has a working smoke detector and fire extinguisher.
• Never leave a stove or oven unattended while cooking.
• Be careful when smoking on your boat.

Haralson said that following these tips can help reduce the risk of a boat fire. "We want people to enjoy their time on the water," he said. "But it's important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to prevent accidents."