Blazing boat sparks explosions at quay in early-morning drama.
A large diving boat caught fire while moored at a quay in Åfjord early on Tuesday morning, triggering a major emergency response and raising fears of explosions from pressurised gas tanks on board.
Police received the first report shortly after 6.20am of a vessel on fire at Herfjordveien. According to witnesses, the boat was already fully engulfed in flames when emergency services were alerted. Police said there were no people believed to be near the vessel at the time.
Because the boat was moored close to a workshop building, a safety zone of 300 metres was immediately established. Nearby residents were advised to close windows, though police said there was no need for evacuation.
Fire service officials later confirmed the vessel was a diving boat carrying pressurised gas tanks, including nitrogen and oxygen. Due to the risk posed by gas stored under pressure, authorities warned there was a danger of explosions as the fire developed.
At around 7.40am, police confirmed that loud bangs had been heard at the scene. These were believed to have been caused by gas tanks rupturing or exploding in the heat of the blaze.
Fire crews arrived on site and began extinguishing work before moving into damping-down operations. Police later said the fire was not caused by a fuel or fluid leak from the vessel.
The fire was still being monitored later in the morning, with police confirming they will carry out technical examinations once the area is declared safe.
