Motor Cruiser Ablaze in Solent

Friday, March 06, 2009
Posted 18:28 GMT

Solent Coastguard received a Mayday call at approximately 4:30pm from the one of the two crew aboard a 35ft Motor Cruiser 'Lynx Effect' reporting they had a fire on board in the engine space, and needed assistance. They were anchored in Stokes Bay.

Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Services (GAFIRS) were requested to launch their independent lifeboat and four Police boats were tasked to the scene. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service were standing by at the GAFIRS slipway and the Police assisted with a 200m exclusion zone that was put in place. Coastguard Rescue Officers from Hill Head also attended the scene to assist with the exclusion zone.

Paul Marlow, Watch Officer, Solent Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, says:

The two people aboard were safe and well and taken on to one of the police boats. There were two gas bottles on board one of which exploded and emergency crews waited for the second to explode before approaching the vessel and dealing with the fire.

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401