TWO people have been rescued after fire engulfed a boat in the Solent. 

Lifeboat teams were called to the vessel at 3.22pm yesterday after the skipper had seen flamed on board. 

Having declared a Mayday just outside Portsmouth Harbour, the pair onboard stood on the outer edges of the boat as flamed took hold. 

A volunteer crew from Gosport Lifeboat were on the scene within six minutes with two nearby yachts having also responded. 

The yachts could not get close however due to the huge plumes of smoke that were billowing out. 

READ MORE: Two rescued after motor cruiser catches fire and sinks

Both people were quickly recovered into the lifeboat which then took the vessel under tow away from the shipping channel and into shallow water. 

Shortly after, flames from the engine room completely engulfed the cabin so an anchor was deployed. 

Flares and gas cylinders started to explode as lifeboat teams worked to keep other boats at a safe distance. 

Meanwhile, the two people on board were returned to Chichester Harbour where the vessel had been based.

Duty Coxswain Pete Byford said: "Thankfully we were on duty with the Lifeboat today and out training as it was only a matter of minutes from our arrival until the vessel was completely engulfed in flames.

"The crew on board the vessel had done everything they should: immediately calling for help, wearing their PPE equipment and being ready for the Lifeboat to arrive."

The duty fire tug, SD Independent, was tasked to fight the fire with its powerful firefighting apparatus. 

The boat was beyond saving however and later sank with lifeboat teams working to retrieve the fuel tanks which had been carrying 1,800 litres of diesel.

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