A fourth-generation fisherman whose charter boat was destroyed in a fire last month has bought a new vessel and plans to restart his business.

Scott Barnes had been operating fishing and cruising charters with Hakuna Matata for almost 12 years, with guests coming on board from Bermuda and beyond to enjoy the water.

However, that came to an abrupt end when the Custom Carolina vessel caught fire and sank near Saltus Island on September 10.

The 41-year-old was in the US when he was woken up by a call giving him the devastating news.

“I was away seeing my wife’s family. I was scheduled to come back that night. It was going to be a normal day,” Mr Barnes explained.

“Five minutes out the dock and smoke and fire came out of nowhere. There was nothing that could be done.

“That was my wake-up call that morning.”

Mr Barnes’s dad, Michael, and another captain, the two people on board when the fire broke out, both managed to escape serious injury as flames raged and smoke billowed.

“My dad inhaled some smoke and had slight burns,” Mr Barnes said.

Mr Barnes said that the boat was always kept in immaculate condition.

Asked what started the fire, he said: “I wish I could give you the answer. They have chalked it down to an electrical fire.”

On-board pumps from the Resolute and Warbaby Fox ferries were deployed, as well as the coastguard’s 41 Juliet and the tug Powerful.

The crew were rescued, the fire was contained and containment booms were deployed in response to signs of pollution and debris.

The teams involved were later hailed by the Government for their response.

Mr Barnes also expressed his gratitude. “I would like to thank them. The Bermuda ferry service were there pretty fast and helped with the rescue of the two people on the boat,” he said.

“They were professional and did everything right, so I would thank them and everyone else involved.”

Mr Barnes had owned the boat for almost 12 years before disaster struck.

Fortunately, he has been able to continue selling fish to restaurants and the public by Trimmingham Hill on Friday and Saturday every week, ensuring some income.

“We have had to stop running charters. Luckily lobster season kicked off on September 1. That keeps us going over the winter time,” Mr Barnes said.

The new boat, another Custom Carolina, which remains unnamed, was bought this week.

Mr Barnes admits three or four months of work are needed to get it to where he wants it to be.

He said: “It’s going to take some time to rebuild but we are hopeful to be back next summer.

“It’s pretty similar to Hakuna Matata. It just needs some loving to get her up to the standard that we are used to operating at.

“The new one has got to be up to the same standard, if not better.”

May 2027 is the targeted return date. More information can be found on the Hakuna Matata website and social-media channels.