The pleasure boat that caught fire Sunday off Vila Franca do Campo in the Azores sank in about 1,000 metres of water but poses no danger, maritime authorities said on Monday.
The fire on the sailboat reportedly started in the engine room and spread to the rest of the local pleasure boat, but seven crew members were rescued about five nautical miles (approximately nine kilometers) off Vila Franca do Campo on Sao Miguel Island by a seagoing tourist vessel in the area.
Speaking to Lusa, Porto captain and local commander of the Ponta Delgada and Vila do Porto maritime police, Rafael da Silva, said that “despite all the efforts made, the vessel eventually sank in a position where there were about 1,000 people.” meters of depth.
“Given the state of the vessel at the time of its sinking, no pollution incidents are expected,” Rafael da Silva added.
The fire alarm was received at 17:02 local time (18:02 Lisbon) on Sunday through the Ponta Delgada Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre.
According to the National Maritime Directorate, elements of the local command of the Ponta Delgada Marine Police and the SeaWatch project, as well as the volunteer firefighters of Vila Franca do Campo, were immediately deployed.
The crew was taken to the port of Vila Franca do Campo, where members of the SeaWatch project were waiting, and “did not need assistance,” the port captain told Luce on Sunday.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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