Salvaging a Fire-Damaged Fairline Targa 27 in Gosport
Salvaging a Fire-Damaged Fairline Targa 27 in Gosport
Some boat removals start with a routine phone call or an online inquiry. Occasionally, however, our team witnesses the entire story unfold right before our eyes. Recently, the Boatbreakers crew dealt with an intense and unusual job involving a fire-damaged Fairline Targa 27 right here in our home base of Gosport.
A Front-Row Seat to Disaster
The incident began in the most dramatic way possible. Remarkably, our team actually watched the fire happen in real time, tracking the smoke and watching the burning boat eventually drift and hit the beach.
Fortunately, the owner had a miraculous escape. After realizing the fire was uncontainable, he dove off the burning vessel and swam to safety, boarding a nearby boat just in time. Given how fast marine fires spread, it could have gone very differently for him.
Swift Coordination and a Barge Lift
As soon as the smoke cleared, the operation shifted into high gear. Immediately, we discussed the situation with local council representatives who were already on-site. Following that, we liaised directly with the owner to pitch a swift recovery plan to the insurance company.
Within just two days, we arranged for a barge to arrive on-site. The heavy marine equipment hoisted the sorry hull up and off the beach, saving the shoreline from prolonged exposure. The council expressed immense relief at how fast we removed the vessel, as our prompt action severely limited the risk of further pollution from the burnt-out wreckage.
Salvaging What Was Left
Once lifted, the hull was brought to a local yard where we awaited the surveyor’s official report to green-light the final disposal. Naturally, we knew from the start that she was destined for the scrap heap. Because the fire caused catastrophic structural damage, very little of the superstructure remained intact.
Even so, the job held a few silver linings. While the upper boat burned fiercely, the outdrive units remained fairly sheltered underwater. Consequently, these outdrives retained real value. We carefully removed them so they could be refurbished and fitted onto another boat.
Ultimately, a potentially devastating maritime accident ended with a clean beach, a safe owner, and responsible recycling. Whether a boat suffers storm damage, a fire, or years of neglect, Boatbreakers handles the toughest jobs from start to finish.
Got a damaged or written-off boat that needs expert removal? Get in touch with the Boatbreakers team today to find out how we can help.
