A HUGE clean-up operation is underway after a £6million super yacht carrying 8,000 litres of fuel erupted in a fireball.
The 85ft boat sunk in Torquay Harbour yesterday after it was engulfed in flames.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated after the yacht broke free from its moorings and hit the pier.
A massive clean up operation is now underway amid fears of an oil spill.
Karen Baxter, from the Environment Agency (EA), said it is "too early to assess" what impact the spill could have on wildlife and water quality.
She added: "We understand there's probably around nine tonnes of diesel onboard the yacht.
Read more news
Charred remains of £6M super yacht sink after huge ‘fireball’ tore through
Bernie Ecclestone bought Flavio Briatore’s £18m yacht for bargain £6.6m
"Specialist contractors are being employed to put booms into place and try and keep the diesel as close as possible to the yacht.
"More specialist kit is being brought down from Bideford and we'll be working with the contractors to try and clean up as much diesel as we possibly can."
Plumes of black smoke billowed over Torquay as the flames ripped through the boat.
Some locals were understood to be stuck on the pier but no injuries were reported.
Most read in The Sun
LIVERPOOL 0 Real Madrid 1 
Vinicius Jr gives Spaniards 14th Champions League title
Dancer Natasha Ghouri will be Love Island's first ever deaf contestant
Max Bowden leaves co-star Shona McGarty's home after spending night
Champions League final DELAYED as Lineker slams 'dangerous' scenes outside
Officials warned holidaymakers to stay away from the seafront and the beaches were evacuated.
Those living nearby were urged to shut their doors and windows to avoid the fumes.
Torquay Marina said the area had been saved from a "major catastrophe" by authorities and emergency services at the scene.
"We had to deal with a major incident today. Sadly one of our boats was destroyed by fire. I can confirm there were no casualties or other boats damaged," the statement said.
"Due to a fantastic team effort by the emergency services, harbour authorities, my staff and our customers, we were able to contain the emergency situation and avoid a major catastrophe.
"We now have several booms around the area to protect the environment. Please continue to be patient during the clean-up process."
Source: Read Full Article
