A HARBOUR in the Solent remains closed after a boat fire broke out.
Firefighters were called to Ryde Harbour yesterday after smoke was seen billowing into the air.
Pictures show a boat engulfed in flames near the Esplanade, and Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth wrote on social media: "Due to an incident at Ryde Harbour, the harbour will remain closed until further notice."
Here come @RydeRescue to boat fire in #RydeHarbour pic.twitter.com/6EbMiXraaD
— Wayne Whittle (@RydeAbide) August 9, 2017
@iwcponline Fire in Ryde somewhere! pic.twitter.com/xR1OU7kbsN
— ★ Tony. M. Weaver ★ (@BFMunchkin) August 9, 2017
Getting worse boat fire in Ryde Harbour pic.twitter.com/amC7TLLCzT
— Wayne Whittle (@RydeAbide) August 9, 2017
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency statement yesterday said: "Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team and the Ryde Rescue Boat have been sent to the scene, along with the IOW Fire and Rescue Service. Ryde Harbour Master and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have also been informed.
"We have received reports that the person on board has made it safely off the boat and is ashore. He is safe and well and does not require medical treatment.
"We are advising members of the public to keep at a safe distance whilst the emergency services get the fire under control."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here