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Crews tackle fire on 40 foot barge on the River Medway, near Gas House Road, Rochester

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire on a 40 foot barge.

Firefighters were called to Acorn Shipyard on Sunday morning to find the vessel on the River Medway engulfed by flames. The interior and wheel house were destroyed.

The 19-year-old man from Rochester has been released on conditional bail until December 16.

The vessel on fire. Picture: Richard Rodgers
The vessel on fire. Picture: Richard Rodgers

The shipyard in Gas House Road, Rochester was the scene of another major blaze just a few weeks ago and a suspected arson attack back in September.

The blaze on Sunday morning was suppressed by a fog spike, which also lowered the temperatures and allowed crews wearing breathing apparatus to move in.

Hose reel jets were used throughout the morning to fight the fire and it was under control and being damped down by 11.30am.

Fire engines at the scene. Picture: Richard Rodgers
Fire engines at the scene. Picture: Richard Rodgers

Coastguard and police were also called to the scene, alongside three fire engines and the fire boat from Sheerness. A foam unit was also deployed.

Strood fire station crew manager Kev Mitton was the first to receive the call. He said the interior of the barge was destroyed, but the steel hull meant the exterior remained intact.

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