The 30.5-metre Broward Marine yacht The Admiral has sunk following a fire while docked in Marina del Rey, California.
The LA County fire department responded to reports of a fire at 8.33pm yesterday (18 September). Two people were on board at the time but were able to evacuate without injuries.
According to local reports, the interior flames were resistant to firefighters' efforts and the yacht quickly began to list. Authorities were forced to evacuate at approximately 10.30pm. At the time of writing, The Admiral is now almost completely submerged.
The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, though several firework explosions were documented by eyewitnesses. The yacht has discharged red-dye diesel into the water, according to the United States Coast Guard, who are collaborating with the Patriot Environmental Services and Clean Harbors organizations to contain and recover any pollution. The Admiral has a fuel capacity of 6,000 gallons.
The Admiral was delivered by US shipyard Broward Marine in 1986. Exterior design was completed in house while her interior is owed to US-based studio Robin Rose. Accommodation is across four cabins, including a master suite and all equipped with flatscreen televisions, entertainment centres and en suite facilities. The yacht was listed for sale in 2018 at a last known asking price of $985,000.
The incident is ongoing. BOAT International will update the story as it develops.