Port Authority investigating cause of Gouvia Marina fire

The Port Authority is investigating the cause of yesterday's fire at Gouvia Marina, which destroyed four boats. The fire broke out in one boat before spreading quickly to another three due to the flammable materials. The initial thoughts of professionals is that the fire began due to an engine problem in the boat, which had been closed up for a long time.

Despite the extent of the fire, there were no injuries. The owners confirmed that noone had been on board. Approximately another 20 nearby boats were quickly moved away before the fire could spread to them. Some small damage was reported in the closest vessels.

Following the initial report from the Fire Department, the investigation is now in the hands of the Port Authority.



The Regional Fire Chief Dimitris Georganas told Enimerosi that both the Fire Department and Gouvia Marina firefighting team responded immediately and in a coordinated way.

The operation was aided by the fact that there had been a firefighting training exercise just one and a half months ago for the professionals and marina personnel and Marina Director Kostas Karabatsos told ERT Kerkyra that the fire hydrants are inspected every month and no problems had been observed.

In order to avoid pollution, a floating anti-pollution barrier was placed to prevent the spread of oil and petrol in the sea.

Whatever fuel remains in the four boats which were completely destroyed and sank will be immediately removed by divers.