Photos: Firefighters Respond To Fire In Dockyard

January 4, 2014

[Updated with more photos and statement] At sometime around 9.30/10.00am this morning [Jan 4] the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service responded to a fire in the Dockyard area.

It appears the blaze was located on an old boat in the area, and smoke could be seen floating into the sky as firefighters worked to extinguish the fire. Details are limited at this time, however we will update as able.

- Photos by Nathalie Sheen

Update 6.56pm: A statement from the Fire Service said that at approximately 8.55am on Saturday January 4th, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service responded to a report of a 75 foot work boat on fire at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandy’s.

Fire Service spokesperson Lieutenant Leonard Davis reported that “The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service responded to the mentioned incident with two fire appliances staffed with 8 firefighters. The fire service took approximately 12 minutes to arrive on scene.

Boat Fire Bermuda, January 4 2014-10

“Upon their arrival they found thick black smoke billowing out from windows and doorways of the vessel. The duty crew proceeded to extinguish the fire with two firefighters dressed in breathing apparatus using a 1 ½” hose line.”

Sergeant De-roy Somner stated that, “The duty crew gained entry into the vessel from the top deck. The dark smoke made the working conditions extremely difficult to maneuver through. The top area was searched and a second crew made their way downstairs into a storage area where the fire was discovered.”

Boat Fire Bermuda, January 4 2014-17

“While in the process of extinguishing the fire, the boat engines engaged due to the engine wires being fused together by the intense heat. The engines had to be powered down by an on scene engineer while the fire was being fought.

“Ventilation was then carried out by setting up a smoke extractor to create better visibility. The remaining burning material was removed from the vessel and soaked with water until finally extinguished.”

Boat Fire Bermuda, January 4 2014-14

Fire Service spokesperson Lieutenant Leonard Davis stated that “the fire is believed to have been caused by welding being conducted on the exterior port-side of the vessel. The heat from the welding is believed to have transferred through the metal and onto the interior contents.”

Photos by Lieutenant Leonard Davis, click to enlarge:

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Category: Accidents and fires, Accidents/Fires, All, News, Photos

Comments (21)

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  1. AVERAGE JOE says:

    looks like someone may be jealous !!!

    • I wonder if it is insured, is there any cameras on the buildings to see folk going in and out of dockyard before it to place, and who is to say that it is not something electrical or otherwise that could have started it.

  2. Verbal Kint says:

    Very odd coincidence.

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      Ain’t that a coincidence? Not just any old boat but one of the ex Somerset ferrys which happens to be on the Government slipway undergoing work as a private workboat.

      Oh yeah. This one needs a thorough investigation on how the fire started. Lets hope it is a simple case of a fire starting because of somebody welding or doing other work on the boat.

  3. Terry says:

    If the vessel was being worked on I could understand an incident.
    I smell something and it ain’t smoke.
    And on a weekend.
    (keep other thoughts to self).
    Shalom.

    • Terry says:

      Our posts crossed Triangle.
      Amazing how certains hate and dislike my comments.
      Must be some of my uncles friends.

  4. Kangoocar says:

    I can only assume this fire will be investigated, as it is very suspicious???? Hopefully the cause when found is published!!!

    • Arthur - Atlanta says:

      Yes it will be investigated as ‘all’ fires are investigated.

  5. billybob says:

    Just to clarify it was being worked on and there is no conspiricy. The fire was caused by workers on the vessel by accident. I am one of the workers but was not there at the time. Dont panick people. No one was heart and damage is little. No need to jump to conclusions.

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      Thankyou. That was the hope. There must be other ways of removing years of old paint though.

  6. Terry says:

    Then you should have posted earlier billy.

  7. John says:

    That wasn’t Robinsons slip ??? :)

  8. Terry says:

    Oh come on Hind.
    You don’t have to click yah no.

  9. billybob says:

    I would of but some people gotta work ya no.

  10. Jim Bean says:

    It’s the PLP’s fault.

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      No, the UBP bought that ferry. It was the UBPs fault.

      • Any idea what happen to the other ferry that was also up for sale??

        • Triangle Drifter says:

          No but more than likely it will start a new long life as a commercial boat doing something.

          Wonder what happened to the generation before them? They sure would make nice snorkel dive sites. Tourists love a sunk boat. Does not matter what or how it got there. Tie a skeleton to the wheel. Even better.

  11. JUNK YARD DOG says:

    Some of you will remember the horse and cart that came before the Mack Truck in Hamilton .

    History.

    The Royal Naval Dockyard as we know it, was built during the horse and buggy days, some of those big heavy stones were transported from Morsby Plane by Donkey and Trap.

    The story goes, there was a fire at the Dockyard in the Donkey stables and the Donkeys were lost.