Vice Mayor: Boat Fire Was 'Unbelievable,' Fuel Cleanup Continues

Palm Harbor firefighters were among the agencies that responded to a fire at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Tuesday evening.

The Skye Marie,  around 7:45 p.m. The blaze grew and spread to the water where it was seen floating down the Anclote River, according to witnesses. 

Located near 1000 Dodecanese Blvd., the boat was carrying about 6,000 gallons of diesel fuel.

The Skye Marie belonged to Billy and Sue Harris, according to reports. Although the vessel was sandwiched between two other boats, the outermost one was moved before any damage could be done.

Tarpon Springs Vice Mayor Susan Slattery was at the scene early Wednesday morning and was still in disbelief.

"It was unbelievable," Slattery said shaking her head. "I got down here at 10 last night and it was still burning."

Slattery said the help from area fire rescue personnel played a big role in containing the fire. During the blaze, the Tarpon Springs Fire Department received support from Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Largo, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Homeland Security and local law enforcement officers.

As of first light on Wednesday, the Department of Environmental Protection was on the docks with a cleanup crew.

According to Officer Jackey Angelis of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, the crew is focusing on cleaning up the oil that spilled.

"Right now they got a good jump on it and they were able to contain a lot of it," Angelis said. "They're doing an excellent job getting it out now."

Angelis said the cleanup effort could take a couple days to complete.

Tarpon Springs fire officials said the investigation is underway as to what may have caused the fire.

No injuries have been reported at this time.

According to city officials, businesses along the sponge docks are open and the Anclote River is open for watercrafts. 

See Also:

• Tarpon Springs Fire Video and Photos Ignite Social Media
• Fire at Sponge Docks As Boat Goes Up in Flames

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