A startling explosion and subsequent fire at Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth have caused significant damage, destroying boats and forcing the evacuation of a popular restaurant. The events have sparked public curiosity and an ongoing investigation into their origins.
Timeline of Disruptions
The incidents at Hillarys Boat Harbour involved distinct events that have drawn public attention:
Early Morning Saturday (Specific date unclear from provided data): A ferocious blaze erupted on a luxurious, moored vessel. Multiple emergency calls were made reporting thick smoke billowing from the boat. Firefighters responded promptly, battling the fire, which was brought under control and contained to a single boat by mid-morning.
Unspecified Recent Date: An explosion rocked the same boat harbour. This blast was powerful enough to destroy several boats and led to the evacuation of a nearby restaurant. The sound of this explosion was also described by some as causing a "deep earth shake."
Accounts of the Events
Eyewitnesses have provided vivid descriptions of the disruptions:
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"It was just going, black smoke billowing everywhere." - Nick Cheer, witness, describing the fire.
Mr. Cheer was fishing with his son when they observed smoke emanating from a boat at the east end of the marina.
Nature of the Incidents
The events at Hillarys Boat Harbour appear to be twofold: a fire and a separate, more powerful explosion.
The Fire Incident
Timing: Occurred in the early hours of a Saturday morning.
Origin: Started on a "luxurious moored vessel."
Response: Firefighters arrived quickly and managed to contain the blaze to the single boat.
Outcome: The vessel was destroyed, but the fire did not spread to other boats.
The Explosion Incident
Impact: Resulted in the destruction of multiple boats.
Consequences: A popular restaurant in the vicinity had to be evacuated.
Auditory Description: The blast was reportedly so significant it caused a "deep earth shake."
Related Incidents of Note
While the recent events at Hillarys Boat Harbour are the focus, other incidents in Perth involving unexplained phenomena warrant consideration for context:
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| Incident Description | Date Published | Location | Nature of Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loud explosion causing 'deep earth shake' | Aug 21, 2024 | Perth (general) | An unexplained loud explosion felt across the city. | Cause remains a mystery. |
| Mystery device found on beach, later revealed | Jun 24, 2023 | Perth beach | A "missile-shaped" object found on a beach, prompting a closure and ADF disposal. | Identified as a marine flare; disposed of by the Australian Defence Force (ADF). |
| Wreckage descriptions of scuttled/sunken vessels | N/A | Perth North coast (near Two Rocks, Guilderton) | Mentions historical wrecks like the Ville De Rouen and Alkimos, and various submerged items. | These are historical and navigational points, distinct from recent active disruptions. |
The "deep earth shake" explosion in August 2024 and the mysterious device found on a Perth beach in June 2023 suggest a history of unexplained events in the region that have garnered public attention and official responses. The connection, if any, between these past occurrences and the recent harbour disruptions is not yet established.
Expert Analysis
At this juncture, detailed expert analysis specific to the cause of the Hillarys Boat Harbour explosion and fire is not publicly available. Investigations are presumably underway. However, the description of the explosion as causing a "deep earth shake" implies a significant energy release, potentially indicative of a detonation rather than a simple fire-related incident.
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Unanswered Questions and Next Steps
The precise cause of both the fire and the explosion at Hillarys Boat Harbour remains under investigation.
What initiated the fire on the luxurious vessel?
What was the source of the powerful explosion that destroyed multiple boats?
Is there any link between the explosion and the earlier fire?
Were there any unusual activities or vessels in the harbour prior to these events?
Further official reports and findings are anticipated as the investigations proceed.
Sources Used:
9News: Details an explosion at Hillarys Boat Harbour leading to boat destruction and restaurant evacuation.
https://www.9news.com.au/videos/national/four-boats-sink-after-mystery-blaze-at-hillarys-boat-harbour-9-news-australia-2026-02-15-t-10-04-36-mp-4/cmlnkwvhz001c0gqt4ig8ihfu
7NEWS: Reports on a "vicious blaze" that engulfed a boat at Hillarys Boat Harbour, detailing firefighter response and eyewitness accounts.
https://7news.com.au/news/vicious-blaze-destroys-vessel-at-hillarys-boat-harbour-in-perths-north-c-20159802
The Sydney Morning Herald: Mentions a loud explosion in Perth causing a "deep earth shake," framed as a mystery.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/mystery-of-loud-explosion-in-perth-that-caused-deep-earth-shake-20240821-p5k49l.html
Daily Mail: Describes a mysterious device found on a Perth beach that was revealed to be a marine flare, handled by the ADF.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12229755/Mystery-device-Perth-beach-cryptic-message-marine-flare.html
Diving WA Wrecks: Provides general information on dive sites off the Perth coast, mentioning historical wrecks and submerged materials, which serves as background context for the marine environment.
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