Catastrophe prevented as boat catches fire in Mersea

A vessel at the Mersea Marina caught fire last Wednesday afternoon at around 5.30pm. 

Eyewitness Paul Harrison said: “For some reason, the boat pictured burst into flames, all of its own accord. I was first on the scene and called one of the owners of the two big motorboats. 

“He is a friend and joined me on the scene, with some local lads, quite quickly. We immediately moved the big motorboats as I felt they were in danger.” 

Danger - The boat drifted away from the marina (Image: Paul Harrison)

Shortly after the motorboats were moved, the blazing boat broke free of its mooring and drifted towards where the motorboats had been. 

“It could have been a disaster if this had happened in the middle of the night,” Mr Harrison said. 

“By this time the flames were receding and the local lads put the flames out with water and extinguishers.”  

An Essex County Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Firefighters were called to boat fire near Coast Road, West Mersea on Wednesday, October 16 at 5.24pm

“On arrival, crews reported a boat was on fire in the water and worked to extinguish the fire by 6.24pm.”