A yacht docked on the Tennessee River was destroyed by fire Wednesday afternoon, casting a plume of black smoke visible from downtown Chattanooga.
Emergency personnel were dispatched around 1 p.m. to the Cameron Harbor Marina, near Scottie’s on the River, according to a press release from the Chattanooga Fire Department.
Firefighters extended more than 600 feet of hose down to the dock and were supported by fire boats drawing Tennessee River water, the release said. No injuries were reported.
The boats on either side of the burning yacht appeared to sustain some radiant heat damage, but firefighters protected the neighboring vessels from further damage, the department said. Materials were placed around the boat to contain any fuel leaks.
Brad Gillenwater, who manages Cameron Harbor Marina, said by phone he owns the vessel through an LLC and estimated its value at around $200,000. The boat was insured, and the insurance company was arranging to have it towed.
Around 3 p.m., Gillenwater said he hadn’t seen the boat in person yet and it was too early to assess the damage. He purchased it in 2016, and it had sentimental value, as he lived on the boat on and off during the pandemic, he said.
“I’m just glad nobody was injured,” he said.
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The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Chattanooga Fire Department, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will prepare a property damage report, according to agency spokesperson Mime Barnes.
Contact courts reporter Mason Edwards at medwards@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6409.