Yesterday afternoon a boat went up in flames within sight of Salobreña, creating a dense column of black smoke.

The people on board were taken off to safety by the maritime service of the Guardia Civil, according to the Mayor of Salobreña, María Eugenia Rufino.

The fire on the burning craft was reported around 20.30h at a distance of approximately half a kilometre (500m) from the beach in front of the Salobreña municipality, La Guardia.

One account puts the distance at two kilometres, which seems more plausible.

The emergency call centre received numerous calls from people still on the beaches at that time, as well as those living on nearby, hillside urbanizaciones.

Eyewitness, Steve Campen wrote in around 20.38h to say, “Guardia are holding off. Fire tender from Port has arrived putting out flames 🔥 but still flaring up!”

According to eyewitness, Duncan Malcolm, the boat finally went down around 21.25h. He sent in a video which  you can view on youtube here.

Thanks to both Steve Campen and Duncan Malcolm for their photos.

(News: Salobrena, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia – Photos Duncan Malcolm)