By Luke Voogt
A yacht fire that killed a woman and a man last week was “not suspicious”, according to police.
Arson Squad detectives made the determination this week following the “fatal fire” on The Gypsy last Wednesday.
Emergency services rushed to a ramp near Mackey Street after reports of a fire about 6.30pm on July 1.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze and found two people dead, who police have since identified as a 60-year-old woman and a 59-year-old man, both from North Geelong.
John Mole, secretary of the nearby Geelong Trailable Yacht Club, said a man and woman had lived on The Gypsy.
“It’s been in that area … a couple of years,” he said.
“Recently they moved from the southern side of the groyne to the northern side of the groyne.
“It’s an absolute tragedy, you wouldn’t wish that on anybody regardless of whether they were meant to be there or not.”
Council’s planning, design and development director Gareth Smith said the yacht had been moored at St Helens boat ramp without a permit since early 2019.
“The owners relocated the yacht to Mackey Street jetty approximately three weeks ago, where they had a temporary permit to moor while undertaking repairs,” he said.
Water Police, Search and Rescue divers and Arson Squad detectives last week investigated the wreck.
“The City has [since] placed the boat in storage,” Mr Smith said.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life and express our condolences to family and friends impacted.”
Police will prepare a report for the Coroner on the fatal blaze.
Police urged anyone with information to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
