Two boats catch fire and sink in Marseille's Old Port, injuring up to 15 people
A fire broke out on two boats moored at Marseille's Vieux-Port on Sunday morning, sending thick black smoke over the city and injuring up to 15 people before both vessels sank.
Fire on the Vieux-Port
A fire erupted around 10:30 on Sunday, 5 July 2026, on a 20-metre boat moored at the quai de l'Hôtel de Ville in Marseille's historic Old Port. Flames quickly spread to a second vessel, a 12-metre boat, as tourists and passers-by watched a dense black plume rise over the port. Both boats eventually sank despite efforts to douse them from nearby pontoons and with a crane deployed from the quay.
- Fire breaks out on a 20-metre boat at the quai de l'Hôtel de Ville.
- Flames spread to a second, 12-metre boat.
- Both boats sink despite firefighting efforts from pontoons and a crane.
- Fire declared under control by Mayor Benoît Payan.
Casualties and injuries
Initial reports put the number of injured between 9 and 15. Six passengers, two police officers, and one port security agent were among those hurt, with several suffering from smoke inhalation. Authorities cautioned that the toll could rise because of toxic fumes.
Firefighting response
Some 150 marine firefighters and 37 vehicles were mobilised, supported by the maritime gendarmerie. Crews sprayed the hulls from pontoons and used a crane to reach the upper decks. The fire was declared under control around midday.
The fire is now under control.
Disruption and aftermath
Access to the quai du Port was closed and all maritime shuttles and ferries, including services to the Frioul islands and the Château d'If, were suspended. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
