Fire interrupts Father’s Day celebration, insurer immediately responds

Fire interrupts Father’s Day celebration, insurer immediately responds | Insurance Business Australia

Insurance News

Fire interrupts Father’s Day celebration, insurer immediately responds

Claims process noted to be “less stressful”

Insurance News

By
Jonalyn Cueto

On the evening of the first Saturday in September this year during Father’s Day celebrations, a serious fire broke out in a luxury motor yacht at Woolwich Dock in Sydney.

Once known as the largest dry dock in Australia and now a Heritage-listed complex, Woolwich Dock remains part of Sydney’s working Harbour. The vessel in discussion, named Andiamo, was moored within the dock with no one on board when the fire took hold. Triple 0 calls were made and emergency services came to the scene. Concerned over the potential of the fire to spread, a Woolwich Dock team member moved other vessels.

Andiamo was covered by Nautilus Marine Insurance, which was alerted by the owner. The insurer initiated a response with expert staff onsite as the situation was brought under control by the firefighters and the area contained by the police.

The loss adjuster and marine surveyor for Nautilus Marine Insurance made an initial assessment, and an environmental impact containment commenced after a decision was made in consultation with entities, including Sydney Ports, NSW Maritime, and the Environmental Protection Authority.

“Whilst all salvages are different, the priorities remain clear. Once the actual incident is under control by emergency services, we need to contain the site to lessen any environmental impact. By mid-morning Sunday we had a salvage operator, divers, and a team deploying containment mats and scoops,” said Micheal Lieberman, loss adjuster and marine surveyor for Nautilus Marine Insurance.

“Aside from the complexity of this particular salvage with the vessel wedged sideways across the dock, the operation’s success was due to the professionalism of all those involved. Sydney Ports had containment and absorbent booms in place, the large team of divers were constantly assessing the wreck status, and the staff of Woolwich Dock worked around the clock to assist.”

Natalie Fisher, senior account manager at GSA Insurance Brokers, applauded the collaboration of the Nautilus Marine Insurance team and their contractors, noting the claims process had been less stressful with their speedy response.

Fire took place the evening of 2 September at Woolwich Dock in Sydney
Nautilus Marine Insurance assessor on site by 3 September
Vessel lifted out of the water 16t September
Final forensic report received 29 September
Claim payment made by 12 October to the full value vessel was insured for
All salvage costs paid by Nautilus in excess of client settlement

“The response of the Nautilus Marine Insurance team and their contractors has been at a level that confirms their well-deserved professional reputation. The speed that they responded, the constant communication, and the prompt discharge and payment made a very painful experience that much less stressful,” said Fisher.

“To see your pride and joy suffering such a fate is an emotional time, which is why it’s so important that boat owners receive support, reassurance, and professionalism through the claims process. Being there for our customers when it really counts is what Nautilus Marine Insurance is here for,” said Lyndon Turner, CEO of Nautilus Marine Insurance.

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