Airlie Beach in Queensland's North. Photo: Google Maps
A woman who allegedly torched a yacht moored in the Whitsundays Islands off Australia following an altercation with the man who lived onboard is in a serious condition in hospital after suffering burns to her legs.
The 54-year-old New Zealand national was rescued from the water by police on Friday after she was seen leaping from the blazing yacht.
Footage shows the 12-metre-long yacht completely engulfed in flames at its mooring in Pioneer Bay at Airlie Beach in Queensland's north.
Airlie Beach Water Police were called to the scene at about 5.40pm.
Police allege the woman started the blaze after a physical fight earlier that day with a 64-year-old man who lived on the boat with her.
She was taken to Mackay Base Hospital, where she continues to be treated.
The woman who allegedly started the blaze was taken to Mackay Base Hospital, where she continues to be treated. Photo: Google Maps
A police spokesman said the man, who reported the incident to police, suffered minor injuries from the alleged attack.
Whitsunday resident Maryrose Bugeja noticed the fire when it sprung up on Friday evening.
"It was all alight [in the] evening," Bugeja said.
"When I went to work the next morning on the ferry, that was all we could see."
Bugeja said only the mast of the submerged yacht could be seen.
The woman was charged with arson, assault and contravening a police notice, and two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm.
She was expected to appear in Proserpine Magistrates Court today, but due to her injuries the case was adjourned.
Her matter will be heard in Bowen Magistrates Court on Tuesday. She remains remanded in custody.
- ABC