By Beth David, Editor
The 82-foot luxury motor yacht, Miss Dunia, was completely destroyed by fire on Monday, 8/30/21, as it floated in its dock space at Fleet Marina on Pope’s Island in New Bedford Harbor. There were no injuries.
New Bedford and Fairhaven Fire Departments responded at 5:18 p.m. By the end of it, assets from Dartmouth, USCG, Tow Boat US, Swansea, Berkley, and Providence were also put into action. Five engines and two ladder companies arrived on scene.
Flames shot out from the 92-ton vessel, and smoke was so heavy that Route 6 at the Fairhaven bridge was closed to traffic.
As of press time, no cause of the fire had been released. Officials were investigating if anyone was on board when the fire started.
Complicating matters were the 500 gallons of fuel on board, which caused the fire to burn for hours. Firefighters used foam to because of the fuel, and had to call for additional foam from mutual aid departments.
The boat is owned by Lars Vinjerud II, who owns Fleet Marina, a fleet of fishing boats, and the restaurants Fathoms and the Ice House.
In a post on Facebook, the New Bedford Fire Department stated: “Upon arrival crews observed a smoke extending from the 82’ yacht Miss Dunia. Two crews descended below deck with a handline and began extinguishment while two additional fire crews began checking for additional fire and began ventilation. Conditions deteriorated in a short amount of time as the fire had extended throughout the vessel.
“Fire crews began exterior operations with the assistance of boats from the Fairhaven Fire Department, Dartmouth Fire District 1, Fairhaven Harbormaster, and the New Bedford Police Department. Tow Boat USA also assisted on scene.”
According to online resources, the multi-million dollar M/Y Miss Dunia is 82 feet long, weighs 92 tons, and can sleep up to six guests comfortably, along with three crew members.
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