FOUR people have been rescued from a burning yacht after the vessel burst into flames off the English coast.
The 60ft boat was spotted ablaze off the for over four hours after its engine reportedly exploded on Saturday evening.
Four people have been rescued from a burning yacht after its engine reportedly exploded on Saturday evening Credit: SWNS
The 60-ft-long vessel was spotted ablaze off the Isles of Scilly Credit: SWNS
Stunning footage shows the boat completely engulfed by flames on the water as black smoke billows into the sky.
As the inferno rages on, sparks can be seen shooting upwards as the back end of the boat explodes.
According to a witness an lifeboat arrived before the fire began catching at 6:30pm and removed four people from the boat.
The RNLI said a lifeboat was launched “at full speed” at 5.35pm after a distress call was received 22 miles off St Mary’s Harbour.
Upon arrival an hour later, they said the crew were ready to evacuate as the captain told them the fire was out.
They asked their rescuers to tow them back to shore but they were warned the endeavour would be too risky as they awaited permission from the coastguard.
The captain then started the boat’s remaining engine as he believed the fire was on the other engine’s turbo.
But when it started, black smoke started to pour from the vessel and all four crew members were “told to abandon the vessel immediately”.
An RNLI spokesperson said: “The lifeboat crew stated to him to proceed with extreme caution with going anywhere near the engine bays, to which he said he can start it in the wheelhouse.
“The skipper had the intention that he could passage under escort by the lifeboat to an anchorage outside of any harbour.
“The Engine was started and almost immediately black smoke started to come out of the saloon doors, so the engine was stopped again and all 4 were told to abandon the vessel immediately.”
They added that after checking there were no injuries or smoke inhalation, the crew members were transported back to St Mary’s Harbour where they were met by local friends.
The blaze was still roaring at 9.50pm.
A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “Just after 5.30pm yesterday (July 4), HM Coastguard received a report of a fire on a vessel with four people on board, 20 miles south of the Isles of Scilly.
“St Mary’s RNLI lifeboat was sent. All four people were unharmed. They were rescued by lifeboat and taken to safety.
“Hourly shipping safety broadcasts are being issued. The relevant authorities have been notified, including HM Coastguard Counter . Close monitoring is ongoing.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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