A MAN suffered facial burns in a fire onboard a ferry in the Solent.

A fire broke out in the engine room, according to a spokeswoman for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

She said one person had been hurt, and the casualty was in the care of the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.

Five fire engines from Newport, Cowes and West Wight were called to the scene, at Wightlink’s Yarmouth terminal, shortly after 10pm on Tuesday, together with rescue support vehicles.

One man, a Wightlink crew member aged in his 50s, has been admitted to the emergency department at St Mary’s Hospital with burns to his face, head, neck and hands.

A spokeswoman for the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service said he had been wearing protective clothing and his injuries were not believed to be serious.

Firefighters left the scene at 11.19pm. A spokesman said oil had ignited in the engine, causing the fire, but confirmed there had been no explosion.

Several Wightlink sailings were cancelled yesterday.

Wightlink said: “A fire broke out on board Wightlink’s 9pm sailing from Lymington to Yarmouth on Tuesday, September 12, beneath the car deck, as the ship approached the Isle of Wight.

“A full investigation is underway and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been informed.”