A “DEL BOY” yacht owner’s flashing new nameplate may have sparked the inferno which destroyed the £6million craft. Sources believe its proximity to the nine tons of diesel on board may be behind the devastating blaze that wrecked the Rendezvous. The plush 85ft gin palace was engulfed by flames in minutes — sinking three hours […]
A “DEL BOY” yacht owner’s flashing new nameplate may have sparked the inferno which destroyed the £6million craft.
Sources believe its proximity to the nine tons of diesel on board may be behind the devastating blaze that wrecked the Rendezvous.
The plush 85ft gin palace was engulfed by flames in minutes — sinking three hours after drifting from its berth at Torquay Marina in Devon.
Plumes of black smoke could be seen across the county and nearby residents were told to stay in. Beaches were evacuated.
The owner is understood to be a local businessman who is on holiday overseas.
A source said: “He’s a wheeler-dealer Del Boy type and very private. He recently had a back-lit electric nameplate put on which is near the fuel store.”
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One boat owner at the marina added: “His yacht’s been at Torquay for about three years and was only recently re-wired. That may be a factor in the fire.
“It went up as the crew were getting in stores in readiness for a trip to Cowes for the Jubilee celebrations.”
Police described Saturday’s fire as “unexplained” and are investigating.
The Environment Agency were yesterday leading the clean up.
