Firefighters continue to work to deal with a boat fire in Whppingham this afternoon (Friday). 

Crews from Newport, East Cowes and Ventnor are in attendance.

They were called to the scene near The Folly Inn at approximately 4pm.  

Coastguard crews are also responding to the incident. 

“We’ve been called to a yacht fire moored off the Folly in the River Medina,” said Geoff Walls, duty officer at the scene.

Isle of Wight County Press: The scene in Whippingham.The scene in Whippingham. (Image: County Press)

“We have some crews out on the water using a light portable pump to fight the fire.

“There’s quite heavy wind, which tactically, is actually helping us.

“There was concern initially that it might spread to other boats, but once we got crews out there to monitor the situation, we were in a position to move any vessels away if we needed to.

“But that’s not been a concern for us at this time.

“There are some flammables on board, and as yet, we’re unsure if those have been affected or not.

“So our risk assessment is monitoring that situation to make sure our crews are safe.

“We’ve met with the owner and have knowledge of what is on there.

“If we can move it to a safer area to firefight, that will speed up our operation.

“Until that point, we’re managing it out there and working with our colleagues to see where we can move it to.”