The race has begun to prevent a massive oil spill off the Devon coast after a superhero caught fire and sank.
The 85-foot boat was carrying about 8,000 gallons of fuel when it was engulfed in flames while moored at Torquay on Saturday.
Witnesses said the fire burned the rope that tied the yacht, cutting it adrift and floating through the marina before colliding with a bridge, which acted as a barricade.
No one was injured, but the boat sank around 6 p.m.
The Environment Agency is now in charge of the case and the agents issued two pollution alerts on Saturday on the beaches closest to the marina.
It is understood that more pollution recovery equipment will arrive from Birmingham today.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “Our officers are assisting the Harbor Master Authority (HMA) to contain oil and fuel inside the ravines that have been installed at the marina.
“The Environment Agency will offer more advice in the coming days to the HMA on waste management as part of efforts to recover the sunken yacht.”
Image: Residents and visitors were asked to avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed. Image: Mike Trower
Torquay musician David Balmer, 58, told the PA news agency: “They’re worried about fuel getting into the water and the port, which is obviously the last thing you want.
“There were too many people around. It was surrounded by flames and there was this huge cloud of black smoke.
“It was a whole show, it was an amazing sight.”
Image: The boat was engulfed in flames while moored at Torquay. Image: Tania Coatham
Devon and Cornwall police said the cause of the fire was being treated as unexplained and investigations were continuing.
Torquay Marina said in a statement: “Due to the fantastic efforts of the emergency services team, the port authorities, my staff and our customers, we were able to contain the emergency situation and avoid a major disaster. .
“We now have several booms in the area to protect the environment. Please be patient during the cleaning process.”