Atet, Melbourne’s brand new floating nightclub that opened in Docklands back in October 2022, has gone up in flames overnight, with fire ripping through the 570-square-metre purpose-built barge.
The inferno is thought to have started around 4.30am, with drivers on the Bolte Bridge alerting the fire brigade to the blaze happening on North Wharf Road. The fire was brought under control within six minutes, and thankfully no one was on-board or injured during the emergency.
While the cause is yet to be determined, Fire Rescue Victoria commander Mitch Simons has said due to the timing of the fire and other serious factors, it has been deemed “suspicious”. The full extent of the damage is also unknown at this stage, with the owners and staff gathering at the site to inspect the scene. Police investigations into the fire are continuing.
Atet launched to much fanfare (and some noise complaints from nearby neighbours) on October 22, 2022, and was inspired by the popular day clubs of Mykonos, Ibiza, Amsterdam and Berlin. It has the capacity to hold 550 partygoers and has hosted sold-out electronic music events, parties and bottomless brunch sessions since its opening.