VERMILION — A boat was destroyed Thursday morning after catching fire while docked at West Shore Boat Club along Riverside Drive.
The Vermilion Fire Department responded at 11:19 a.m. to 753 Riverside Drive for a reported boat fire. When firefighters arrived, they found a 25-foot fiberglass boat fully engulfed in flames while sitting in its slip at the marina.
No injuries were reported, and officials said no other boats or nearby property were damaged.
According to Vermilion Fire Chief Bill Brown, the fire is believed to have started near the port side of the stern. One witness attempted to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher before firefighters arrived, but was unsuccessful. The cause remains undetermined and under investigation.
Vermilion Engine 94 arrived at 11:27 a.m. and began fire attack operations using a 1 ¾-inch handline. Tanker 85 arrived shortly afterward to provide a water source. Vermilion Township Fire Department also responded under automatic mutual aid to assist at the scene.
A total of seven Vermilion firefighters responded with three vehicles, while four personnel from Vermilion Township Fire Department also assisted.
The burned vessel appeared to be a complete loss and was expected to be removed from the water later Thursday afternoon.
