Luxury Yacht Stocked With Ammunition, Fireworks Explodes at Southern California Marina

A boat catches fire before sinking in Marina Del Rey, Calif., on Nov. 19, 2024. Daniel Dahlin/Dahlin Baits

MARINA DEL REY, Calif.—Authorities Thursday were continuing to investigate an explosion and fire that ultimately sank a luxury yacht anchored in Marina del Rey that was stocked with ammunition and fireworks.

The fire was reported shortly after 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at 211 Basin A, where flames engulfed the approximately three-story, 100-foot boat, the Los Angeles County Fire Department reported.

County fire officials said in a statement Thursday morning that the owner of the boat reported having “1,000 rounds of unspent ammunition and fireworks onboard.”

Residents in the area said they heard multiple explosions resonating throughout the harbor as the yacht named The Admiral was consumed by flames. Fire officials said two people were able to get off the boat uninjured.

Fire crews poured water onto the burning vessel, which was ultimately destroyed and sank into the harbor.

An environmental hazard team was slated to arrive in Marina del Rey Thursday to assist with the cleanup of the burned vessel.

Authorities investigate a yacht that burned and sank in the harbor in Marina Del Rey, Calif., on Sept. 20, 2024. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

A United States Coast Guard (USCG) Incident Management Team from Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach is monitoring the cleanup efforts, according to the Coast Guard, which reported that the yacht “caught fire and discharged red-dye diesel.”

“The fire did not appear to damage any other vessels in the harbor,” the USCG said in a statement Thursday morning. “The Coast Guard is working with Patriot Environmental Services and Clean Harbors organizations to contain and recover the discharge from the yacht.

“The yacht’s fuel capacity is reported to be 6,000 gallons,” the USCG statement said. “Crews from California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s [Department] are also assisting in the efforts.

“The Oiled Wildlife Care Network has been notified and is on standby for wildlife response,” the USCG statement said. “No observations of oiled wildlife have been reported at this time. For your safety and the safety of the animals, do not attempt to capture oiled animals. Report oiled wildlife to 1- 877-823-6926.”