Originally published January 21, 1985

THE Wanera, a $500,000 Mildura-owned tourist cruise boat was destroyed by fire near Wentworth.

Onlookers stood helpless as the fire engulfed the historic boat at its mooring near the Aquavilla houseboat based on the Darling River.

Fifty firemen from five brigades, including some from Victoria, fought the blaze, but were unable to save the 85-year-old boat.

Smoke from the fire, believed to have started in the forward galley section of the vessel, was noticed by people on a nearby houseboat.

They raised the alarm as the fire quickly spread through the boat.

Wentworth firemen were joined by units from Dareton Bushfire Brigade and a unit from Curlwaa.

About 50 firemen took part in battling the blaze.

Eyewitnesses said flames leapt about 10 meters into the air, and the heat of the blaze prevented firemen from getting too close.

The Wanera had been moored only a short time before the fire began.

About 35 passengers had disembarked following a week-long river cruise.

The nine-member crew had also left the vessel after it had docked.

There was no-one on board when the fire started.

The Wanera had plied the Murray/Darling River system as a pleasure cruise vessel for the past 35 years.

Firemen battled for about two hours to bring the fire under control.

At the height of the blaze, a large metal tank containing heating oil, exploded, blowing two firemen into the water, and several others scurrying for cover as flames leapt high into the air.

The blaze burned the Wanera to deck level, scorching it to the water line.

The were no serious injuries.