Elderly Australian couple and dog forced to escape menacing yacht fire

An Australian couple and their Jack Russell were forced to evacuate their yacht after it caught alight in waters off Moreton Island in South-East Queensland on Friday morning (12^th April).

Authorities were made aware of the dangerous yacht fire on the south-west side of the island just after 5:30am. Police said that the 15-metre (49-foot) boat was well alight when they arrived on the scene.

Paramedics from Queensland Ambulance assessed the evacuees – a 64-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman – for smoke inhalation at the Port of Brisbane. The couple, who lived on the yacht, acted quickly to ensure they and their pet dog Charlie got off the yacht as quickly as possible after first noticing the boat was ablaze.

Acting senior sergeant Daniel Moyle said the pair were lucky to escape the situation unharmed.

“Because they were very well prepared and they knew their vessel, they got off the ship very quickly and effectively and it potentially saved their lives,” he said.

“They heard some noises and got up to see lights in the kitchen area, and they’ve immediately evacuated the ship to a tender and went to a nearby yacht to raise the alarm.

“They’ve lost their vessel and yes they are obviously upset and a bit distressed but they are coping quite well. [We are] not sure of exactly where the fire started – that’s something for investigators to look into.”

Moyle noted that the couple had since contacted their insurance company, and confirmed “efforts are currently underway to ensure the vessel is salvaged”.

The cause of the yacht fire is not considered suspicious.

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Source: ABC News Australia