fire antigua yacht club

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Credit: Cloggy's

Fire devastates historic Antigua Yacht Club Marina

3 October 2023 • Written by Dea Jusufi

Antigua Yacht Club Marina in Falmouth Harbour has been devastated by a fire that began in the late hours of 2 October.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known, although local reports have attributed the fire to a lightning strike caused by the tropical storm Philipe which made landfall in Barbuda on the same day as the fire. 

Flames had engulfed the yacht club by midnight, with firefighter's efforts hampered by strong winds. According to a statement by Antigua & Barbuda's National Office of Disaster Services, firefighters were still attempting to suppress the blaze by 5am. 

Credit: Cloggy's

Local businesses have been razed by the fire, including Skull Duggery Café and Cloggy's.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne commented on the situation online: "Giving thanks that no one got seriously hurt. We have been spared the worst. As a resilient people, we soldier on [...] while assisting the business and property owners to rebuild." He also noted that the destruction would result in "at least 100 job losses".

The formerly abandoned Alfa Nero was removed from the site prior to the blaze. No casualties have been reported.

A statement by the yacht club reads: "Antigua Yacht Club Marina is deeply devastated by the fires that occurred last night, particularly affecting the facilities and services within our main complex. Our thoughts are with the affected business owners and their employees during this difficult time."

It continued: "Despite this unfortunate incident, we want to assure our valued members, patrons, and the sailing community that the main marina facilities, including diesel, water, electricity, and dockage, remain fully operational. We are committed to providing uninterrupted services to our visitors and guests."

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