Cruisers destroyed in major blaze at Southery marina

Firefighters from across west Norfolk fought the blaze at Southery, near Downham Market, on Tuesday afternoon.

The main A10, which runs past the Denver Cruising Club's mooring on the River Ouse, was closed for several hours.

A drone picture of the fire at the Denver Cruising Club at Southery (Image: John Millward)

Three boats moored alongside each other sank after being consumed by the fire, while one which was ablaze drifted 200 yards downriver before it sank.

Others were scorched by flames from nearby burning vessels.

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Philip Jones, vice chair of the cruising club, said: "A couple of committee members lost their boats in the fire, they're absolutely devastated. It's a great tragedy, there are six boats affected."

Boats and their moorings were destroyed in damaged in the fire at Southery. (Image: Chris Bishop)

Another man inspecting the damage at the marina, who did not wish to be named, said: "There's a lot of damage, a lot of damage. There will be a lot of sad people."

The cause of the blaze, which broke out just after 1pm, remains unknown.

Fire crews fought to bring it under control using hosereel jets and breathing apparatus.

A boat which sank after drifting down the river ablaze (Image: Chris Bishop)

A major operation was also launched at Modney Bridge, two miles downstream from Southery, where firefighters and the Environment Agency (EA) spread a boom across the river to prevent spilled fuel and debris from being carried downstream.

An EA spokesman said: "A fire broke out on moored boats on the River Great Ouse, resulting in the closure of navigation on 4km of the river.

"Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service deployed a boom across the river to catch debris floating downstream. 

The boom deployed by the fire service and Environment Agency after the marina fire on the River Ouse at Southery (Image: Chris Bishop)

“We also supplied additional absorbent booms to the Fire and Rescue Service which were used close to the damaged boats to capture any potential oil and diesel that may have leaked. 

“We continue to work closely with other emergency services and we will continue to monitor the incident.”

A boat which sank after drifting downstream whilst on fire (Image: Chris Bishop)