Nine luxury boats including at least two yachts were destroyed or damaged by fire at a Newport marina yesterday afternoon.
An explosion ripped through one boat about 2.30pm. It's believed to have been caused by acetone fumes igniting. Strong winds then carried the fire to other boats.
There are conflicting accounts about whether mooring lines were cut to allow the boats to be dragged away from their neighbours or whether they burned through and the boats drifted. At least one boat drifted down onto a neighbouring marina, igniting another boat there.
One man has been treated for smoke inhalation but there are no other reported injuries. Police, fire and Maritime authorities are investigating.
