A significant incident occurred early this morning at Spit Bridge Marina in Mosman, where a fire destroyed three yachts and caused considerable damage to a fourth. The Port Authority of New South Wales (NSW) collaborated with Fire and Rescue NSW to manage the emergency, deploying a total of four vessels, including the firefighting vessel Girawaa. This vessel played a crucial role by pumping up to 16,000 liters of seawater per minute to extinguish the flames, helping to safeguard additional private boats and marina infrastructure from damage.
The Girawaa is known for its versatility as a multipurpose response vessel, operated by a team of experienced crew members. It can deliver water equivalent to that of four large fire engines, reaching distances of up to 90 meters. John Finch, Chief Operating Officer of the Port Authority of NSW, highlighted the agency’s proactive measures, which included deploying two layers of absorbent and containment booms around the site to manage pollution and debris, thereby protecting the marine environment.
Finch explained that the Port Authority serves as the lead agency for tackling shipboard fires and marine pollution risks within port waters. They are working closely with the marina operator and the Environment Protection Authority to monitor and mitigate potential pollution from the incident. Ongoing coordination with Transport for NSW Maritime, NSW Police, and Fire and Rescue NSW will ensure that safety protocols are maintained throughout the salvage and cleanup process.
At this time, all pollution has been successfully contained, with the deployment of the secondary containment boom serving as an additional precaution. Moving forward, the marina will oversee the recovery and salvage of the impacted yachts, collaborating with the owners and insurers to facilitate further clean-up efforts. Additionally, pollution response vessels remain stationed in the area to ensure any residual pollution, including debris, oil, and fuel, is promptly addressed.
Overall, the collaborative response emphasizes the commitment of various agencies to protect the environment and ensure the safe management of maritime emergencies.
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