Barge catches fire in Rozelle Bay near Sydney Harbour

Emergency services were called to Rozelle Bay near Sydney Harbour at around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday following reports of a barge engulfed in flames, the Daily Mail, News.com.au, and The Australian reported. The Daily Mail stated that a spokesperson for New South Wales Police said officers suspected gas canisters on board had caught alight. [1][2][3]

Photos shared on social media showed flames covering the barge, followed by images of the smouldering vessel after the fire was contained. Witnesses also posted photographs online showing a dark cloud of smoke billowing across the city of Sydney, according to the Daily Mail. Fire Rescue NSW Superintendent Kevin was among the emergency responders handling the incident. [1]

Barges have been used since antiquity for hauling goods, evolving through Roman and medieval European usage into specialized freight carriers. Today, flat-bottomed vessels of this type are frequently used in coastal waterways and harbors to transport heavy cargo and equipment. [6]