Port Authority of NSW has played a central role in containing and extinguishing a significant vessel fire at Spit Bridge Marina in Mosman, deploying specialist firefighting and pollution response assets in support of Fire and Rescue NSW.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of January 9, destroyed and sank three vessels and caused serious damage to a fourth. In response, Port Authority mobilised four vessels to the site, including its premier firefighting vessel Girawaa, to help suppress the blaze and protect the surrounding marina infrastructure.
The Girawaa can pump up to 16,000 litres of seawater per minute onto a fire, delivering the equivalent capacity of four large fire engines over distances of up to 90 metres. Operated by a highly trained and experienced crew, the vessel is designed to respond rapidly to marine emergencies in confined port and marina environments.
Alongside active firefighting, the Port Authority also implemented immediate environmental protection measures. Two layers of absorbent and containment booms were deployed around the fire site and the sunken vessels to prevent the spread of debris, oil and fuel into surrounding waters.
Port Authority of NSW Chief Operating Officer John Finch said the organisation was fulfilling its statutory role as the lead combat agency for shipboard fires and marine pollution in port waters.
“As the lead combat agency for shipboard fires and marine pollution in port waters, we are liaising closely with the marina operator and the Environment Protection Authority to monitor and manage potential marine pollution and ensure safe vessel salvage,” Finch said.
“Our pollution response vessels, which were also on scene this morning, will continue to patrol the area and ensure potential marine pollution, including debris, oil and fuel from the incident, is contained and recovered.”
Finch confirmed that at this stage all pollution from the incident had been successfully contained, with secondary containment booms deployed as a precautionary measure.
While the Port Authority will continue to support Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police and Transport for NSW Maritime as required, responsibility for vessel recovery and salvage will now shift to the marina operator, working with vessel owners and insurers.
The incident underscores the importance of specialist marine emergency capability within NSW ports, particularly in high-traffic recreational waterways where fire and pollution risks can escalate rapidly without swift intervention.