A boat turned into a fireball after an explosion on a Hampshire river.

The blazing yacht then started to float dangerously towards other boats moored on the river during the drama last night.

The explosion coming from the direction of the Warsash Harbour Master on the River Hamble was spotted by Hamble Lifeboat Crew who were on a training exercise.

The incident happened at approximately 8.30pm outside the Rising Sun Pub.

Hamble Lifeboat immediately informed the UK Coastguard of the incident and also alerted Hampshire Fire and Rescue.

The lifeboat raced to the scene and saw the vessel was completely on fire.

Within that short space of time and it was established that there was only one person involved and he was safe and well away from the vessel.

The vessel on fire then drifted away from the pontoon and towards other craft due to the flood tide went upstream.

The lifeboat was able to safely attach a line and get the vessel away from other yachts and craft moored on the river.

Once under tow, the lifeboat crew were able to use their pump to extinguish the fire while they brought it to the slipway.

Fire crews from Hightown Fire Station were waiting as well as coastguards.

Once it was established that there was no further danger and everything was safe, the fire crews and the lifeboat returned to their stations.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known.