Smoke alarm saves family as boat destroyed by fire

by Hayley Sultanie & Stephanie Bedo, goldcoast.com.au on 10 Jun 2009 A Gold Coast family was saved by their smoke alarm when their luxury cruiser caught fire and sank in the Broadwater at Biggera Waters early yesterday.

The 17.8m Magic Moments caught fire while at anchor near the northern end of Wavebreak Island at Biggera Waters.

The 43-year-old boat owner told police he was alerted after the vessel's smoke alarm sounded about 1am and he discovered a fire in the galley.

He attempted to extinguish the blaze but was forced to abandon the boat with his family.

He evacuated his wife, 10-month-old baby girl and dog on to the boat's tender before collecting his jet-ski and taking the family safely to shore.

The family contacted emergency services once they reached Wavebreak Island and Water Police, Volunteers Marine Rescue and Maritime Safety Queensland officers attended the scene. But by the time the crews arrived the luxury cruiser was already engulfed in flames and could not be saved.

'Attempts to extinguish the fire were being made and during the process the anchor parted from the vessel, I understand as a result of the fire,' said Acting Senior Sergeant Tony Nelson from Gold Coast Water Police.

'The outgoing tide dragged the vessel further out (towards the Seaway) but the vessel was engulfed by the fire.'

Local maritime officers attempted to bring the remainder of the boat back to shore but it sank under tow.

An MSQ spokesman said the boat was left in 11m of water on the edge of the channel.

He said MSQ was satisfied the wreck did not pose any threat to boat users and was not pollution hazard.

Paramedics took the woman and baby to Gold Coast Hospital with possible smoke inhalation as a precaution, but they were released soon after.

The family was too distraught to speak to the media yesterday and did not want to be named.

Authorities yesterday praised the family for ensuring their boat was fitted with working smoke alarms, as there are no mandatory requirements for vessels to be fitted with them.

'If there's any message, it is due to the fact the vessel was fitted with smoke detectors the family were able to get off the boat and avoid a tragedy,' said Sen-Sgt Nelson.