A tender boat used by the reality TV show Below Deck caught fire at sea off Mo'orea on Friday. Video footage shows the vessel engulfed in flames, but no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains unclear.
The incident occurred in the waters near Mo'orea, an island close to Bora Bora in French Polynesia. Witnesses described the scene as frightening, with the smaller transport vessel, known as a tender boat, bursting into flames. These boats ferry passengers between luxury yachts and the shore during filming of the Bravo series Below Deck. The vessel is not one of the show's main luxury yachts, but such tenders still represent a significant expense. Officials and those present confirmed no one was hurt in the blaze. The fire's origin has not been determined, leaving questions about safety protocols for the production. Footage of the event has surfaced, capturing the intense flames and smoke on the open water. The Below Deck franchise, known for its high-seas drama, faced this real-life scare amid its ongoing season.