Probe into boat fire to be lengthy
INVESTIGATIONS are continuing into the explosion of a 40 foot yacht yesterday that saw a Tweed skipper forced to jump into the ocean to save his own life.
Tweed police Inspector Greg Carey said officers from the Tweed Byron command were working closely with NSW Water Police in what was expected to be a lengthy investigation.
“At the moment we are determining the level of investigation required by us and by the water police,” Insp Carey said.
“The investigation is ongoing but as we have no boat as it is now at the bottom of the ocean, that investigation may take some time.”
A full-scale rescue was launched when skipper John Verwoerdt noticed smoke billowing from the cabin.
Knowing the toxic mix of fire, diesel and gas that was about to explode, Mr Verwoerdt jumped overboard and was kept afloat by his two passengers who had been riding a jet ski at the time, before all three were rescued by a passing luxury cruiser.
Gold Coast Water Police, Point Danger Volunteer Maine Rescue and RACQ CareFlight were sent to the $500,000 vessel which had burnt to the water line and was beyond saving.
It is unknown what caused the blaze but and Tweed police have announced a report will be prepared for the Coroner, due to the cost of the fire.
