A yacht burst into flames off the coast of Jesolo, Italy, and sank despite a rescue effort involving helicopters and firefighting boats. Ten people, including a child, were pulled from the vessel before it went under.
Rescue by a passing boat
Walter Bisiol was returning from Croatia to Cavallino-Treporti, Italy, with his partner, another couple and two children when they spotted the smoke. They saw people at the bow of the stricken vessel waving their arms and calling for help.
Bisiol, 44, brought his boat as close as possible to the burning yacht and threw over a fire extinguisher after those on board had run out. He and his crew then rescued the 10 people, which included a child. Bisiol also radioed the Harbour Master's Office to say he had taken the people from the burning boat aboard.
Blaze spreads quickly
The blaze broke out shortly after 6pm yesterday and spiralled out of control with frightening speed, one rescuer reported. The yacht was only about 100 metres off the coast when the fire began.
Bisiol was able to bring everyone safely to the Coast Guard pier, with no injuries reported. Firefighting crews arrived with boats and helicopters, including one that dropped water on the flames from above.
Investigation launched
Despite the efforts of fire crews, the fire completely destroyed the yacht, which gradually sank, creating a diesel pollution risk that firefighters and authorities are working to contain.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which remains unknown. One theory is that a short circuit may have sparked the fire, which then spread through the yacht's paintwork and plastic materials, potentially explaining the thick black smoke.
“Thank you to all our rescuers,” wrote Luca Zaia, President of the Veneto Regional Council. “Always on the front line and constantly working to keep us safe.”
