Following the dramatic fire and subsequent loss yesterday of the luxury motor yacht, Kahu, in East Cowes Marina, Cowes Harbour Commission confirms the well planned and rehearsed response was put into action.
The Fire Service tackled the fire from onboard the yacht, from nearby pontoons, and with the assistance of Cowes Harbour Commission’s 16m Multi-Cat Seaclear. So fierce was the fire that despite fire fighters working for many hours to tackle the blaze, the yacht sank at 22.45 on Tuesday evening.
Oil spill prevention booms deployed
Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) had deployed oil spill prevention booms around the vessel during the fire but confirmed today the yacht has approximately 8,000 litres of marine diesel fuel oil on board when it sunk.
The Harbour Emergency Plan and Oil Spill Response Plan was activated by Capt. Stuart McIntosh, the Harbour Master, in an attempt to minimise the impact of any potential pollution.
Minimising any potential pollution
Capt. McIntosh said,
“Cowes Harbour Commission has a well planned and rehearsed response for pollution incidents with back-up from specialist Oil Spill Response contractor Adler and Allan. The majority of the diesel fuel appears to be contained within the vessel’s fuel tanks. The team from Adler and Allen mobilised their oil spill emergency response unit yesterday evening, which is still on scene, and involved deploying further oil booms around the vessel to minimise any potential pollution.
“CHC has a statutory obligation to have an effective Oil Spill Response Plan in place, and our staff are trained to respond to just such an incident. We continuously review and update the plan, and hold regular exercises to test effectiveness so that we are prepared for scenarios like the unfortunate sinking of the Kahu.”
Image: © Heather Mason-Allen
