Local boaters are being encouraged to ensure they’re equipped with fire safety equipment when on the water.
It comes after a boat fire on Saturday morning at Portarlington Pier.
According to FRV, crews worked to extinguish the blaze while water police and Queenscliff coastguard assisted the sole passenger of the boat, who had jumped into the water.
The passenger was uninjured, but the boat was unable to be saved.
Authorities have warned boat owners they need to be prepared for the possibility of fires.
“Just because you are on the water, doesn’t mean you are safe from fire, so it is essential you equip your boat with equipment such as fire extinguishers, a fire blanket, and a bucket with a lanyard, as well as distress signals so you can call for help if needed,” FRV said in a Facebook post on the incident.
