Fire sparks message from MSV
Four children injured when houseboat eruptsMaritime Safety Victoria (MSV) is calling on all boaters to check their electrical and fuel systems following a serious fire-related incident on Lake Eildon on Tuesday (March 31).
Four children and a woman were taken to hospital after fire destroyed a houseboat on the popular lake in Victoria's north-east.
Police said the boat was moored at the Eildon Boat Club at Anderson Harbour when the fire started, possibly due to a gas leak.
About 12 people, mostly children, were on board when the fire broke out about 10:30am.
Paramedics said it was a chaotic scene, with bystanders helping the injured passengers when they arrived.
Data from MSV reveals that there have been 12 boat fires across the state in 2014-15, including this most recent incident.
Paul Corkill, spokesperson for MSV, says all boaters need to take action to minimise the risk of fires: "Fire safety requires extra vigilance on boats, as they have the potential to seriously injure those on board.
"Today’s incident at Lake Eildon will be thoroughly investigated and it is too early to determine the exact cause of the fire. However, we know that in many instances boat fires are largely preventable and all boaters should take measures to avoid fire on their vessels.
"Many boat fires are caused by poorly-maintained mechanical equipment. We strongly urge boat owners to have their vessel checked by a qualified person. In the case of gas appliances, any work must be carried out by a licensed gas fitter.
"It’s also important that you have the tools to combat a fire if it erupts – so keep your fire extinguisher in good order and placed in an easily accessible location on the vessel," Mr Corkill said.
Houseboat owners can ensure fire safety by:
>> Reviewing gas appliances and their installation on their boat
>> Ensuring water heaters are sealed off from sleeping areas and
>> Contacting a licensed gas fitter for advice and to perform required work.
MSV data shows that there were 14 boat fires in 2013-14, two of those incidents resulted in serious injuries to vessel occupants.
For more information about boat fire safety, visit www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au
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