A mechanical failure is being blamed for the explosion and fire that destroyed seven boats at Port Elgin Harbour early Tuesday.
An investigation by the Saugeen Shores Fire Department, with the assistance of the Fire Marshal’s Office and the Saugeen Shores Police Services concluded the incident was not arson-related and no criminal activity is suspected.
The initial explosion came from the bilge of a 1974 36’ Trojan boat, and the resulting fire spread to the adjacent boats that were all stored on land for the winter.
No one was in or on any of the boats at the time of explosion.
Cleanup of the boats and the scene is expected to be begin in the next two weeks.
The harbour parking lot is now open, but people are asked to avoid the secured area for safety reasons
Damage to the washroom building is now being repaired, but the building is closed until repairs are finished