Vessel gutted by fire in Frenchman’s Cay

BVI News has received reports of a fire aboard a vessel named Phantom in Frenchman’s Cay on Thursday evening, January 9.

Chief Fire Officer Zebulon McLean stated that the Virgin Islands Fire & Rescue Services received the report around 7 pm, prompting two crews to respond to the blaze.

While no injuries were reported, McLean confirmed that the damage to the vessel was extensive, rendering it unsalvageable.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. However, McLean provided preliminary details: “We’re not sure what started it, but the guys who were there said they were refuelling at the time when a spark and fire occurred,” McLean explained.

BVI News is awaiting further updates on the incident, which marks the first reported fire of 2025 in the territory.