Lake Wylie, SC – A startling fire accompanied by reports of a boat explosion sent a thick plume of smoke into the sky over Terry’s Marina on the borders of Lake Wylie and the Catawba River on Monday. Emergency services rushed to the scene to contain the blaze and assess the situation.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a fully engulfed vessel at the marina, which is popular among local boating enthusiasts. Witnesses at the scene described hearing a loud explosion before seeing flames rapidly spread across the boat and nearby areas. The quick response from the fire crew prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent boats and structures.
Authorities have cordoned off the area while an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. While the exact origin of the explosion has not been confirmed, preliminary assessments suggest a possible fuel-related incident.
No casualties have been reported thus far. Marina staff and boat owners were swiftly evacuated. One person was treated for smoke inhalation but did not require hospitalization, according to emergency medical responders on the scene.
The marina manager expressed relief that the fire did not result in any severe injuries or fatalities. “We are fortunate that everyone is safe, and now our focus is on understanding what happened and how we can prevent such incidents in the future,” the manager said.
Boat safety experts emphasize the importance of regular maintenance checks, especially checking fuel lines and electrical systems, to prevent such occurrences. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards in boating environments.
The local community around Lake Wylie has been quick to offer support to Terry’s Marina and those affected by the incident. Several local businesses have extended help in the form of services and assistance to boat owners who face losses due to the fire.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to provide further updates. The focus remains on uncovering the detailed cause of the explosion to implement stricter safety measures at the marina and avoid future incidents. Meanwhile, the environmental impact of the fire and smoke is also being monitored, with efforts underway to ensure that there is no significant harm to the aquatic ecosystem of Lake Wylie and the Catawba River.