Two Boats Sink after Fire at Marseille’s Vieux-Port, Harbor Operations Disrupted
A major fire involving two vessels at Marseille’s Vieux-Port on Sunday morning led to the sinking of both boats, prompting a large-scale emergency response and temporary disruption to port operations and local maritime transport.
The incident occurred near the Hôtel de Ville side of the historic harbour, close to a stage set up along the waterfront. Authorities quickly secured the area as firefighters worked to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby infrastructure and vessels.
Around 150 marins-pompiers and 37 fire and rescue vehicles were deployed to tackle the fire. Emergency crews successfully brought the situation under control, although both affected boats later sank after the flames were extinguished.
According to local authorities, 14 people received medical assistance, while six individuals with minor burns were transported to hospital for treatment. Those injured included people who had been aboard the vessels, two police officers, and one member of the port security team.
Officials said the damaged vessels measured 20 metres and 12 metres in length. As emergency operations continued, access to the Quai du Port waterfront was temporarily closed, and maritime shuttle services operating from the harbour were suspended.
Authorities have not yet announced the cause of the fire, and an investigation is expected to determine what triggered the incident.
The Bataillon de marins-pompiers de Marseille, a specialized French Navy fire and rescue unit responsible for maritime emergencies in Marseille, coordinated the response. The Grand Port Maritime de Marseille, which oversees port operations, navigation safety, and maritime infrastructure across the Marseille-Fos port complex, continues to monitor the situation as harbour activities gradually resume.
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The incident highlights the importance of rapid maritime emergency response, port safety, and harbour fire preparedness at one of the Mediterranean’s busiest commercial and passenger ports.
