A CABIN cruiser has been severely damaged in a blaze which was tackled by fire crews for more than two hours.The Four Seasons was docked at Titchmarsh Marina in Coles Lane, Walton on the Naze, when the fire broke out.

By Annie Davidson

A CABIN cruiser has been severely damaged in a blaze which was tackled by fire crews for more than two hours.

The Four Seasons was docked at Titchmarsh Marina in Coles Lane, Walton on the Naze, when the fire broke out.

A security guard spotted the flames and called the fire brigade at about 8.30pm on Sunday.

Two engines from Frinton Fire Station went to the marina and requested that the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service boat be sent from Burnham.

Three firefighters using breathing apparatus began to tackle the fire which had left the 11.8 metre boat heavily smoke logged.

They then requested further help and a fire engine was sent from Clacton to help tackle the flames.

At the height of the blaze, 11 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were fighting the fire.

When the fire service boat arrived the tide was too low for it to reach the blazing cruiser and it was unable to assist.

Harbourmaster Steve Hall said yesterday: “Security were on site and the fire was immediately spotted.

“The fire brigade was called straight away. The boats around the fire was moved away to stop it from spreading.”

Mr Hall said the fire boat was unable to reach the blaze because the tide was out and, due to it being a spring tide, was exceptionally low.

He said workers from the marina who were on call took the boat out of the water and on to hard standing once the blaze was out.

“It was a very extensive fire but whether or not the boat is written off is in the hands of the insurers,” Mr Hall added.

He said insurers would be assessing the damage in the near future. The cause of the fire is unknown but is currently being investigated.

The Four Seasons' owner went to the scene of the fire and was at the marina for most of the night. He was too upset to comment yesterday.