A MAN is believed to have lost his leg in an explosion aboard a Gosport-based boat. The man, thought to be in his 50s, is due to have emergency surgery today.

The explosion, in the engine room of the Lord Trenchard, sparked a massive rescue operation at Poole Quay just after 7am. It was immediately closed as emergency services raced to the scene.

Three people on board the Lord Trenchard, which had sailed from Gosport, were injured.

One person suffered "serious'' leg injuries and was taken to Poole General Hospital. Two other crew members suffered more minor injuries, and three were described as "walking wounded''.

The boat was built in Gosport by Camper and Nicholsons (Yachts) Ltd Builders in Mumby Road, Gosport.

A crew of seven, including five Naval reservists, a permanent skipper and the skipper's mate, were on board the Nicholson 55 yacht. They were taking part in an 'adventurous training' fortnight. It was still too early to establish the cause of the blast.

None of those involved are believed to be local.

A Royal Naval spokesman said Nicholson 55s were a renowned make and often used for round-the-world trips.

The Lord Trenchard was moored alongside its fellow ketch, the cadet training ship The Royalist, which was carrying 30 youngsters. It is operated by the Gosport-based Joint Services sailing Centre.

The blast, which happened opposite the Jolly Sailor pub, could be heard from about two miles away.

Early reports claimed that the 40ft sailing training vessel Lord Trenchard, which was moored at the quay, was hit by a gas explosion at the stern.

The casualties were treated at the scene by paramedics before being transferred to Poole General Hospital.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.