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Jet-skiers hailed heroes for trying to put out houseboat fire


A group of jet-skiers has been praised for trying to douse a fierce fire onboard a houseboat on the Gold Coast.

As the top level became swallowed in a thick haze of black smoke and wild flames, the riders circled the vessel splashing water on the fire.

One of the jet-skiers, Kyal Annable, described the flames as “massive”.

Jet-skiers have fought a houseboat fire on the Gold Coast. Source: 7 News
Jet-skiers have fought a houseboat fire on the Gold Coast. Source: 7 News

“(We were) spraying water up at the boat – trying to get it all out,” he said.

His bravery, along with the other riders, was hailed by onlookers.

One of the witnesses, Kathy Smith, described the group’s actions as “heroic”.

Many hailed the jet-skiers saying if it wasn’t for their actions the damage could have been worse. Source: 7 News
Many hailed the jet-skiers saying if it wasn’t for their actions the damage could have been worse. Source: 7 News

“Because everybody said’ get back, get back’, because they thought the boat was about to explode,” she said.

It’s unclear how the fire started, but witnesses say they heard explosions before the top level erupted into flames.

“The upstairs is completely destroyed, inside probably only 20 per cent fire damage,” Helensvale fire fighter Shane Cody said.

Without the held from the jet-skiers, the damage could have destroyed thousands of dollars of possessions, according to 7 News.

“If you look at the boat now, it’s survived. It would not have survived if they hadn’t done what they had done,” witness Darren Oliver said.