BY IAN CROUCH
A yachtsman has managed to jump clear of his vessel after it exploded in flames last night in southern Lake Macquarie.
Newcastle Fire Command says crews were called to Vales Point just before 9.00pm to find a 30 metre yacht on fire about 350 metres from shore.
The yacht's owner, who was the only person on board, managed to swim to shore and wasn't injured.
An RFS boat, Marine Rescue, Water Police and PolAir were all sent to the scene.
Despite the efforts of firefighters, the vessel burnt to waterline and sank.
RFS crews at the scene were told as many as 5 explosions occurred when the vessel went up in flames.
A salvage operation is expected to get under way this morning.
The cause of the blaze is yet to be confirmed.
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| An RFS boat was called in to fight the fire |
