On Sunday 9 April 2017, at around 7 am, a fire broke out in a boat at the Sant Adria de Besos marina, near the Forum district in Barcelona. A total of 10 boats between 19 and 23 m in length were affected. The fire could be stopped at noon, before resuming and being checked again in the afternoon. According to local media, the fire was very virulent, releasing thick smoke visible several kilometres away.
By 12.30 pm, the firemen of Barcelona and the Generalitat of Catalonia had put out the fire and five ships were affected. Four of them sank. At 1430 hours, the last yacht, half sunk, caught fire again, explained Port Forum officials. With the wind and spilled fuel, the fire hit five other boats, two of which also sank
The fire was brought under control at approximately 1730 after 230 hours of hard work. No one was injured, except one person who inhaled smoke after the morning fire and was taken to hospital. Her condition was not serious and she was able to get out two hours later explained Port Forum
The causes of the fire are not yet known, but it required many people: 20 firemen, a rescue boat at sea, Red Cross staff and members of the Sant Adria de Besos Civil Defence Volunteers Association. The social services of the Barcelona City Council also cost 20 people and provide temporary accommodation for two people who lived on their boat
In addition to fighting the fire, the firefighters also prevented the fire from spreading to other boats. Finally, barriers have been installed on the surface of the water to prevent toxic products from leaving the port area and reaching the surrounding beaches
Photo Credit: Anpper Espana
