Thick clouds of toxic smoke rolled over the harbor in the city’s northeast at around 10:30 p.m., causing alarm among residents and boaters alike.

Caught off guard, skippers halted their vessels in an urgent bid to offer assistance.

Among those who contacted emergency services was Andrew Beale. Reflecting on the incident, he remarked, “The rapid escalation was the most frightening aspect.”

Thankfully, Beale noted, “There was no one on board, ensuring everyone’s safety.”

The intense flames could be seen from several streets away, prompting the evacuation of The Breakwater and the issuance of a HAZMAT alert.

Flames were spotted from streets away as The Breakwater was evacuated and a HAZMAT alert issued.

“Unfortunately for us the cause is undetermined due to the fact that by the time fire investigation arrived, all four boats were underwater,” Department of Fire and Emergency Services district officer Scott Bulloch said.

Piers melted and the berths were left empty.

It’s the second boat fire at Hillarys in five months.

“Smoke damage – nothing is melted, which is good but we dodged a bullet, that’s for sure,” boat owner Wayne Adams said.

It’s understood one of the owners sold his boat after 14 years just days earlier.

They were forced to break the news to the new owner when they came to complete the handover this morning.

Now there’s a major recovery mission to resurface the vessels.

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