HMAS Bundaberg Burns in Brisbane, Total Loss Appears Likely

Latest: Australian Navy Chief Inspects Fire Damage to HMAS Bundaberg

At just past noon on Monday, an intense fire broke out on board the 186-foot aluminum-hulled patrol vessel, HMAS Bundaberg while undergoing routine maintenance at Aluminium Boats Australia (ABA) in Brisbane.

The vessel is operated by the Royal Australian Navy.

The fire deep inside the ship took firefighters roughly five hours to extinguish and resulted in extensive damage throughout the ship. Early indications are that the fire started in the forward part of vessel and made it to the aft section, according to the Australian Navy.

Given the melting point of aluminum is 1220.58 °F and fires such as this one can easily exceed that, it appears likely the ship will be a total loss.

Two civilians were treated for smoke inhalation and one was taken to hospital for observation; all other workforce and Navy personnel were evacuate, according to a Navy statement.

HMAS Bundaberg is one of 14 Austal-built patrol boats rotating through border protection operations including fisheries patrols, and the interception of unauthorized arrivals by sea.

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