Falmouth boatbuilder's statement after large fire breaks out on site

Aerial pictures from the scene of an industrial fire in Cornwall
Aerial pictures from the scene of an industrial fire at Cockwells Modern and Classic Boatbuilding, in Cornwall -Credit:South West Sky Visions


Boatbuilding company Cockwells has released a statement following a large fire at one of its locations in Cornwall this morning, Thursday, May 16. In their statement, they confirm a fire broke out at its production facility at the former Vospers site just after midnight.

No one was harmed in the incident. They confirm that fire is now extinguished, hotspots are being monitored by firefighters and the damage is being assessed.

Cockwells Modern and Classic Boatbuilding Ltd is based at Mylor Creek Boatyard but also operates from two satellite sites at Ponsharden, between Falmouth and Penryn.

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Cockwells’ managing director Dean Short said: “We are immensely grateful to the fire crews who attended and the swift action of all the emergency services. We will now work with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of the fire and will issue further communications when more is known.”

Firefighters from Cornwall Fire and Rescue service were called to the large fire in Falmouth at 12.08am today. At least seven fire engines were sent to the scene to battle the industrial fire.

Aerial pictures from the scene of an industrial fire in Cornwall
Aerial pictures from the scene of an industrial fire in Cornwall -Credit:South West Sky Visions

The service said just after 4am: "Critical Control received a call at 00:08 for a fire in a commercial building. On arrival the building was well alight, Falmouth crews made pumps five and aerial ladder platforms one. Additional crews were mobilised from Tolvaddon, Helston, Newquay, Truro Community fire stations to assist, two officers were mobilised and also specialist vehicles from Perranporth and St Just community fire stations were mobilised.

"Crews have now downscaled to three pumping appliances and will continue to monitor the incident throughout the night."

At 5.42am, crews scaled back their efforts and left a team from Falmouth Fire to monitor hotspots. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage, but a spokesperson for Cornwall Fire and Rescue has said there will be an investigation later today.

Devon and Cornwall Police officers were also called to assist fire crews. The A39 Falmouth Road was closed for a number of hours while the fire was extinguished. Police also advised local residents to close their windows and doors as there was 'significant smoke' coming from the fire. See our live blog here for all the updates at the time.

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