A boat was 'engulfed in flames' and later sank off the Isle of Wight, prompting a rescue of its crew, yesterday (Sunday).
At about 3.20pm, Bembridge and Gosport lifeboat crews were among those called to the incident, when a Mayday was issued.
Two people were on board, on the Eastern Solent, near Hayling Island.
Both were safely plucked to safety from the vessel, which was well alight when emergency crews arrived.
Portsmouth's volunteer GAFIRS crew was training in Haslar Marina, when they heard the call.
It took them six minutes to reach the vessel, where they found the pair on board.
Two nearby yachts also responded but could not get close enough to help, due the sea state and plumes of smoke, which could be seen from the Isle of Wight.
The boat was taken under tow, away from the busy shipping channel and into shallower water.
Flames quickly engulfed the engine room, so Gosport Lifeboat crew and Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat worked to prevent the vessel from drifting.
Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat, took the casualties Chichester Harbour, while Gosport Lifeboat remained on-scene, as flares and gas cylinders exploded.
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."
A fire tug, the SD Independent, was called out from Portsmouth Harbour to fight the fire but the stricken boat sank shortly afterwards.
The fuel tanks, carrying 1800 litres of diesel, were retrieved, along with other debris.
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