Yacht bursts into flames in Italy as helicopters scrambled to save passengers

Yacht bursts into flames in Italy as helicopters scrambled to save passengers Firefighting crews rushed to the incident off the coast of Jesolo, Italy, with helicopters dropping water on the flaming boat from above as nearby sailors rushed to save 10 people from the flames Firefighters dropped water from a helicopter amid daring rescue efforts as ten people were pulled from a burning yacht before it sank. Huge plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the pleasure craft as witnesses described panicked passengers waving their arms and calling for help after it burst into flames off the Italian coast. The blaze broke out shortly after 6pm yesterday and spiralled out of control with frightening speed, one rescuer reported. Walter Bisiol was returning from Croatia to Cavallino-Treporti, Italy, with his partner, another couple and two children when they spotted the smoke. They spotted people at the bow of the stricken vessel waving their arms and calling for help. Walter, 44, brought his boat as close as possible to the burning yacht and threw over a fire extinguisher after those on the burning boat had run out. He and his crew then rescued the 10 people on board, which included a child. Walter also radioed the Harbour Master’s Office and told them he had taken the people from the burning boat aboard. The yacht was only about 100 metres off the coast of Jesolo, Italy, when the blaze began and luckily Walter was able to bring everyone safely to the Coast Guard pier, with no injuries reported. Firefighting crews quickly arrived on the scene with boats and helicopters, including one that dropped water on the flames from above. Despite the best efforts of fire crews the fire completely destroyed the yacht, which gradually sank, creating a diesel pollution risk that firefighters and authorities are working to contain. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, the reason currently remains unknown. One theory is that a short circuit may have sparked the fire, which then spread through the yacht’s paintwork and plastic materials, potentially explaining the thick black smoke. “Thank you to all our rescuers,” wrote Luca Zaia, President of the Veneto Regional Council. “Always on the front line and constantly working to keep us safe.”