The 26m yacht Positive energy was engulfed by flames in US Virgin Islands yesterday afternoon. Reportedly worth $2,5 million, the vessel was moored in in the Charlotte Amalie harbor on the island of St Thomas when the fire broke out.
According to The Mirror, firefighters and police were called to the vessel after locals spotted it ablaze. Yacht Haven’s marina crew and security team were the first to provide emergency services, according to a statement from YHG property manager Charlie Irons, but because of the “nature of the fire,” they could not extinguish it. According to a news release from Government house, the U.S. Coast Guard helped tow the yacht to a more remote location where crews continued to contain the blaze. Fire Services also worked to help eliminate the heavy smoke in the area, which was caused by the burning of fiberglass and other materials aboard the yacht. At 6 pm of local time the fire has been completely contained.
West Indian Co. Ltd. President Joseph Boschulte praised the efforts of all emergency responders in handling the situation and revealed there had been no injuries.
We at WICO are grateful that the quick response translated into containment of the fire with no loss of life or injury, nor adverse effect on any of the cruise ships in port or residents in the area
Boschulte continued:
We remain mindful and vigilant of the value of emergency preparedness and cooperation. Our staff is regularly trained to respond to all manner of marine emergencies and our assistance in this emergency is testament to this commitment
As for the yacht, she was previously named Pomboo. Built by Taiwan's Monte Fino yard, the vessel was delivered in 2004 with a thorough exterior and interior refit in February 2012.
Photos by Dean Barnes