A riverside business has raised fears over its boating operations and the surrounding environment following a devastating fire which resulted in boats being sunk on the Norfolk Broads.

Dramatic scenes on Monday afternoon saw two fire-engulfed boats along the River Chet being deliberately sunk by firefighters.

The fire happened between Loddon Marina and Pyes Mill Picnic Area.

Today, the remains of another charred boat on the Chet were visible and the area has been cordoned off.

Firefighters from Norfolk and Suffolk were called at 3.20pm yesterday with five crews arriving at the scene shortly after.

Today, Fiona Husband, director of Pacific Cruisers, shared her fears for the business as the boats have been sunk in a narrow part of the river - possibly affecting navigation of vessels.

She said: "It will be difficult this weekend for business."

Their boats were not on site at the time of the fire.

The sunken boats, thought to be privately-owned, have not yet been removed.

One of the vessels that remains after devastating fire on the Broads (Image: Phoebe Ozanne, Newsquest)

Ms Husband also raised concerns over the environmental impact, saying: "We were told the environmental agency would come to clear the river this morning, but they have not yet shown up."

"There are swans swimming through the diesel in the river".

Ms Husband's fears came as the Broads Authority urged boaters to take care as they navigate the Chet. It also confirmed that the boat the fire had started on had an up-to-date boat safety certificate.

The Broads Authority also praised the people on board for vacating the boat swiftly and calling emergency services once initial attempts to extinguish the fire had not improved the situation.

In a statement from the Broads Authority said: "Please be aware that following a boat fire, there are three sunken vessels in the area upstream of Pyes Mill 24-hour mooring, two on the true left bank and one on the true right bank.


"Pollution control booms have been placed around the vessels along with lights.


"We request that you please exercise great care when navigating in the area and ensure that your boat wash is kept to a minimum where possible.
 

"The Authority will continue to monitor the area to minimise the risk of any resulting pollution and ensure that other river users can safely navigate past the scene slowly so as not to disturb the boom. We are liaising with the owners of the damaged boats which will be removed as soon as practically possible."

Nobody was reported injured at the incident.

The owner of the affected boatyard said: "We are glad nobody was hurt."