Large fire destroys multiple boats at Winthrop yacht club

A large fire broke out in boats moored at a yacht club in Winthrop early Friday morning, causing some to explode and sparking a major response.

Firefighters received a report from a resident at about 2:41 a.m. Friday morning that about six boats were on fire at the Cottage Park Yacht Club, according to dispatch recordings from Broadcastify.

Police officers, who were the first to arrive at the scene, reported a few minutes later that some boats had exploded, according to the recordings. They also asked firefighters to bring a gate breaker to gain access to the yacht club.

The club is located a short distance from Logan Airport. Marine units from Massport, Boston and Everett responded to the fire along with firefighters from Revere.

Just after 3 a.m., firefighters reported that eight boats were fully engulfed in flames, and the docks were completely burned. Winthrop firefighters asked Massport to bring in a larger marine unit to respond, but were told a larger unit was not available. Firefighters on land coordinated with marine units, and sometimes directed them to where to direct their boats in order to reach the fire, according to the recordings.

By about 4 a.m., two ships had broken free and drifted away. Marine units were initially unable to reach it due to low tide.

The Winthrop Fire Department did not respond to a request for information Friday. No injuries were reported, Chief Steven Calandra told NBC10 Boston. At least 12 ships were lost.

No one could be reached at the Cottage Park Yacht Club on Friday morning.

Facebook user Paul Koolloian took photos and videos of the scene.