A boat that was engulfed in flames off the Isle of Wight has now sunk and those onboard have escaped uninjured, it has been confirmed to the County Press.
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Two people were rescued from the vessel, off Sandown Bay, after fire broke out this morning (Saturday).
Islanders described the moment they saw a "big ball of flames" tear through the boat, which was named Peroni.
At around 10.20am, calls were made to the emergency services when a plume of black smoke was spotted off the Ventnor and Bonchurch coast.
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A Mayday call was made from the vessel and multiple 999 calls were made by eye witnesses.
Earlier, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) confirmed to the County Press that two people had been rescued.
A MCA spokesperson has now said they are reported to have escaped unharmed and the vessel has sunk.
(Video thanks to Sandown and Shanklin Lifeboat).
The MCA coordinated rescue efforts with a coastguard helicopter overhead, and the casualties were picked up by Bembridge RNLI.
Crews from Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat confirmed they were also standing by to monitor the fire and debris, alongside Bembridge Coastguard Rescue.
The coastguard helicopter, based at Lee on Solent, was later stood down once it was confirmed those on board the vessel were all accounted for and safe.
Bembridge RNLI posted to say: "Great team work today."
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