Plumes of black smoke can be seen billowing across the Solent this afternoon (Sunday) as a result of a boat becoming engulfed by fire off the Isle of Wight.

Gosport Lifeboat responded to a call for help to assist a vessel to the North East of the Isle of Wight shortly before 15:30.

It soon became clear that a larger lifeboat was required and therefore Bembridge’s All Weather Lifeboat was launched, before quickly establishing a tow in a bid to get the vessel alongside in Portsmouth.

However, the blaze has spread throughout the boat and has now taken hold, resulting in the tow being stopped and the vessel abandoned to the East of Horse Sand Fort, south of Hayling Island.

The smoke has thickened and can be seen from miles around, however, all persons are thought to be safe.

There are now concerns for pollution in the area as the vessel is thought to contain a large amount of diesel, which could spill into the Solent.

UPDATE @ 17:20 – The vessel ‘Fast Flow’, a 39ft motor boat, continues to burn.

Island Echo understands the boat left Chichester Marina, near Birdham, shortly before 14:00 this afternoon and accelerated to around 17 knots on the Solent before the fire broke out.

UPDATE @ 18:05 – The fire has been tackled by a tug boat, which was scrambled from Portsmouth Harbour.

It’s understood the boat has now sunk, with the fuel tanks separated from the vessel. They have since been secured by Bembridge Lifeboat.

It has been confirmed that 2 persons have been rescued from the burning vessel.

UPDATE @ 22:55 – Bembridge RNLI has tonight issued a statement following the vessel fire.

“Relief Tamar All-Weather lifeboat 16-01 (RNLB Peter and Lesley-Jane Nicholson) was launched at 3.40pm at the request of UK (Solent) Coastguard to assist a 38ft vessel on fire with two people onboard.

“First on scene was Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS). The Independent lifeboat crew were able to take the two crew off safely and establish a tow. Once on scene, RNLB Peter and Lesley-Jane Nicholson took over the tow and anchored the burning vessel.

“The two crew were then transferred to her and taken to Hayling Island (from where they had set off earlier in the day) and dropped off. The Queen’s Harbour Master Portsmouth dispatched a tug to attempt to put out the fire. It has subsequently been reported that the vessel has sunk.”

Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service have shared a video of the fire that engulfed ‘Fast Flow’ earlier this afternoon.

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Was it the Russians or the French….

Neither. At an educated guess, engine room or electrical.

Maybe something to do with being pist during cooking….

Are you ‘pist’ my love, because your spelling certainly is, lol.

Glad all safe !!! But why are ie behind on island news ,?????

Not quite sure on your comment… we were the first to report this incident – with photos too.

Be interesting to see what the narrative is from the Gosport independent lifeboat is once they complete their press release. I imagine they did much more than your story suggests.

Well done to all the people whom helped with recovery towing and putting out the fire

Do large inshore lifeboats have fire hose equipment installed? If not, why not?

I’d imagine launching a boat almost every time with a surplus few tons of water onboard would impact the cost of running and handling of the vessel. But Paul may be onto something, maybe an onboard hospital too.

I must point out that the vessel needn’t carry a surplus few tons of water… being that it’s floating on an almost infinite supply. But, a pump and dispensing equipment could be useful in this particular situation.

Why would they take water with them? Surely pump and filter sea water would work?

I know large lifeboats have pumps onboard, but these are typically used for flooding issues, not firefighting. Don’t forget the lifeboats are there to save lives, not vessels. It’s often the case that they can do that as well. But if a vessel is sinking or beyond saving, it is the people who are first priority!

So glad crew are safe. So glad for our emergency services; on land and sea. This wouldn’t happen near Ventnor as there are no accidents or suspicious fires here.

The RNLI do have some fire fighting capacity but not as much as a fire fighting tug. There is no breathing apparatus , or fire proof clothing. in fact we were trained not to attempt rescue of of vessel on fire as the nylon wet gear was in fact quite inflammable ! as was proved by the trainer setting fire to an old set of “oil skins” whoosh and gone .. ! In this case the best possible outcome was achieved, with no casualty’s . M

Genuine question to fact find, not criticise, why would they tow a burning boat to a harbour. If it got loose it could easily drift intro other moored boats.

It was towed into shallower water, which aids salvage, important to avoid contamination/pollution and also to get the vessel out of the shipping lane.

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