Yacht sinks in Marina Del Rey dock after ammunition, fireworks catch fire

A large yacht carrying ammunition and fireworks caught fire in Marina del Rey shortly before sinking on Wednesday evening.

At around 8:30 p.m., firefighters rushed to the docks at Basin A, where the boat was heavily engulfed in flames, the Los Angeles County Fire Department said. Crews tried to battle the flames from the ground and from the water, but the flames proved difficult to control.

Two hours later the boat sank rapidly below the waterline and by 11:00 p.m. it was almost completely submerged.

According to the crew, there were two people on board the boat when the fire broke out, but both were able to get off safely.

With SkyCal overhead, large flames were visible inside the boat, despite a heavy barrage of water sprayed by crews. Hours after the firefight began, SkyCal returned to the scene to find the boat almost completely submerged in the harbor.

After the ship sank, crews began a so-called ‘booming’ operation. This operation was carried out to contain the foam that the fire brigade had sprayed and the fuel that had leaked during the incident.

There were no injuries and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Firefighters say they have reason to believe there were indeed about 1,000 rounds of ammunition on board, as well as fireworks. They said they will confirm this once they can board the ship.

Bystander video footage showed dozens of fireworks shooting from the deck of the boat and exploding above their heads as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames.

It is unclear whether the people on the boat, a 100-foot yacht named “The Admiral,” were the owners.

Authorities have not yet confirmed how they will right the boat and remove it from the harbor.

This is a developing story. Check back later for details.