A fire on two boats mobilizes 150 firefighters in the Old Port of Marseille

A major fire broke out Sunday morning on two boats moored in Marseille's Old Port. The blaze, which produced an impressive plume of smoke visible above the city, required the intervention of some 150 firefighters. The flames were eventually brought under control, and fourteen people were treated by emergency services.

According to initial reports, the fire broke out around 10:30 a.m. aboard a speedboat approximately ten meters long before spreading to a second boat of about 20 meters, which eventually sank. The dock was closed to the public during the operation, and ferry services were temporarily suspended. Authorities reported no injuries among the six people on board the two vessels.

The causes remain to be determined

The cause of the fire was unknown early Sunday afternoon. Safety operations continued in the area to allow for a gradual return to normal around the Old Port.

This latest incident comes as the Bouches-du-Rhône region has been battling a series of wildfires for several days. Placed under a yellow heatwave warning, the department has already been affected by several fires this week, notably in Lançon-Provence and Rognac, reigniting concerns among authorities about the increased risk of fires during periods of high temperatures.