SURFARI BOAT BURNS WHILE SURFER ENJOYS WAVES
The Surfari boat "Royal Manta" that hit a reef in April carrying 23 tourists and 15 crew has finally been burnt to the ground.
Huge blooms of black smoke were seen billowing from the broken in half surfari boat at a favourite break called Boat Yards.
Traveling Tropicsurf guide Tim Mitchell said "I couldn't resist not surfing a few waves into the flames and rescue boat, he laughed. The heat was so intense and the Navy didn't seem to mind me being there even though the chance of more explosions was possible.
The National Defence Force fire and rescue boat was on hand quickly with a water canon ,which was likely the final plan for removal after a number of failed attempts to remove the wreck in recent months.
