A large fire has broken out in the warehouse of Versilia Supply Service, a major yacht supply and support firm, in Viareggio, northern Italy.

Aerial footage of the fire, which started around 6pm on Tuesday (25 July 2023), shows thick black smoke rising into the air, covering large parts of the town. Initial reports stated there were up to 20 explosions preceding the blaze. These explosions have since been attributed to tyres bursting.

Around 50 employees work at the Versilia Supply Service warehouse, which sits close to major shipyards, including Azimut, Benetti, Codecasa, Lusben and Sanlorenzo.

Eugenio Giani, president of Tuscany, has confirmed there are no casualties, and it’s understood that no workers were in the building when the fire began. So far, there are no reports of damaged yachts from adjacent shipyards.

Regional newspaper La Nazione reports that four vans, forklifts and supply material for boats moored in the port of Viareggio were destroyed in the fire. Versilia’s owner says that the damage is estimated at around one million euros.

Firefighters worked through the night, battling strong winds, to bring the fire under control. It has not yet been confirmed what caused the blaze, and investigations are ongoing.

Local authorities issued a statement stating that ‘no harmful substances were burned’ and that residents should not be immediately concerned about air pollution.

Versilia Supply Service describes itself as a company ‘dedicated to the supply of large yachts with literally anything they may need’. The firm covers the supply of yachts under construction while serving established yachts with engine spares, deck, safety, bridge, interior equipment and consumables, gourmet food and beverages.

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