THIS is the shocking moment a huge fire and series of “explosions” erupt at a marina with two boats sinking in the chaos.
The dramatic scenes unfolded at Chichester Marina in Birdham, West Sussex, last night.
UKNIPTwo vessels were sunk in the dramatic fire[/caption]
Fire crews raced to the scene shortly before 10pm and battled the blaze which caused “widespread damage” and sunk two boats.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue confirmed that they sent three engines to the chaotic scene
Video footage of the fire shows great pillars of flame being blown into the air on the wind.
The inferno can be seen spewing smoke into the air, lit by the blue lights of responding emergency crews.
The flames appear to grow in intensity as a stunned onlooker films the blaze chewing through anchored boats.
At least one vessel seen in the footage is completely engulfed by the fire as it rages on.
Emergency crews cordoned off the marina quickly after arriving.
The public were urged to avoid the area while crews attempted to fight the fire.
Selsey Coastguard also attended the scene and reported hearing “multiple explosions.”
The blaze spread from one vessel to another and damaged nearby boats with its blazing heat.
A Coastguard spokesperson said: “Unfortunately the two vessels weren’t able to be saved despite best efforts from the fire service and sadly both vessels sunk.”
Marina staff are said to have heroically raced to assist emergency crews at the scene.
Thankfully no injuries were reported during the incident with the fire eventually being brought under control in the early hours of this morning.
Teams were stood down just before 1am with the blaze finally subsiding.
An investigation into what caused the chaotic fires remains ongoing.
Authorities have reminded residents and boat users: “In an emergency out at sea or along the coast dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
UKNIPCoast guard crews reported hearing explosions on the scene as the blaze tore through a series of vessels[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
