Fire in Marseille Old Port: Two Vessels Sink After Major Blaze

A major fire broke out in Marseille’s historic Old Port (Vieux-Port) on the morning of July 5, engulfing two moored vessels. Despite the rapid response of emergency services, both vessels eventually sank after the fire was brought under control.

The incident led to the temporary closure of part of the waterfront and disrupted maritime traffic in one of France’s busiest and most iconic harbors.

According to Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan, emergency crews acted quickly to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby boats and port infrastructure.

Fire Broke Out Near the Historic Waterfront

The blaze started near Marseille’s City Hall, close to a stage that had been installed on the quay for public events.

Due to the high concentration of yachts and pleasure craft in the marina, there was a significant risk that the fire could spread to neighboring vessels, prompting a large-scale emergency response.

150 Firefighters Deployed

Authorities mobilized substantial resources to contain the incident, including:

• 150 firefighters
• 37 fire and rescue vehicles

After several hours of intensive firefighting operations, crews successfully brought the blaze under control and prevented it from spreading throughout the marina.

Fourteen People Injured

Emergency medical services treated 14 people following the incident.

Six people suffering from minor burns were transported to hospital. Those injured included individuals who were on board the vessels, two police officers, and one port security officer involved in the emergency response.

Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.

Both Vessels Sank

According to the Marseille Marine Fire Battalion, the two vessels measured approximately 20 meters and 12 meters in length.

Although firefighters managed to extinguish the flames, both boats eventually sank alongside the quay.

Access to the affected section of the waterfront was closed while emergency operations continued, and maritime traffic in the Old Port was temporarily suspended.

Investigation Underway

The official cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Authorities have launched an investigation to establish how the blaze started. Several possible causes, including a technical malfunction, are being examined, although officials have not released any preliminary conclusions.

The incident highlights the importance of strict fire safety measures in marinas and ports, particularly during the busy summer season when large numbers of recreational vessels are moored in close proximity.