Salvage underway on burnt-out Picton boats

A salvage operation is underway for three burnt-out boats after a fire today at Waikawa Marina in Picton.

The fire started just before 6am and was out just before 8am.

Two boats had sunk and the third was gutted by the blaze.

Picton Volunteer Fire Brigade deputy chief Rod Thomas said it was too early to say whether the fire was suspicious.

The boat owners were all locals and had been at the marina this morning as firefighters fought the blaze, he said.

No one was injured.

Mr Thomas estimated the cost of the boats at $2.5 million to $3 million, and said the salvage costs were continuing to grow, as barges and cranes took part in the operation.

- NZPA