A major fire tore through Sydney’s Spit Marina in the early hours of Friday, January 9, 2026, leaving three luxury yachts destroyed and another badly damaged. The incident unfolded at the popular marina in Mosman on the city’s north shore, shocking local boat owners and residents.
Emergency services were alerted just after 3:20 a.m., when flames were seen engulfing several vessels docked side by side. Fire and Rescue NSW quickly escalated the response as the blaze intensified.
More than 40 firefighters rushed to the scene, supported by the Port Authority of New South Wales’ firefighting vessel, Girawaa. Crews worked under challenging conditions as thick smoke and intense heat spread across the marina.
It took firefighters approximately two and a half hours to fully bring the fire under control. By then, three large yachts had sunk, while a fourth vessel suffered serious structural damage.
Although officials have not yet confirmed the identities of the yachts involved, early reports suggest they may include the 25.9-metre Princess 85 Aqua and a Sunseeker yacht. Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and verify vessel details.
Environmental Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
Following the fire, the Environment Protection Authority moved quickly to limit environmental damage.
Containment booms were deployed to control debris, oil, and fuel that had entered the surrounding waters.
Officials stressed that preventing contamination was a priority due to the marina’s proximity to sensitive waterways. Crews remained onsite well after the flames were extinguished to monitor the situation.
An investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the fire. At this stage, authorities have not confirmed whether the blaze was accidental or linked to mechanical or electrical issues.
The Spit Marina is considered one of Sydney’s premier boating locations, offering 106 secure wet berths for vessels up to 50 metres. It also features dedicated superyacht berths and 60 swing moorings across Quaker’s Hat and Pearl Bay.
The incident has raised fresh concerns among marina operators and yacht owners about fire safety and emergency preparedness. Several nearby vessel owners were reportedly woken by sirens and the glow of flames reflecting across the water.
No injuries have been reported, which emergency services described as a positive outcome given the scale of the blaze. Still, the loss of multiple high-value yachts has sent shockwaves through Sydney’s boating community.
Authorities say updates will be shared as investigations continue and more information becomes available.
