Man Injured When Yacht Catches Fire

A man's recovering from burns, after trying to put out a fire which destroyed his yacht as it was moored up near Southampton.

It broke out while the boat was moored at Marchwood on Friday night (14^th Jan 2011).                 

Solent Coastguard was contacted by the man’s wife at 5.30 pm.

The Coastguard liaised with Southampton Ports who sent their harbour launch out. Solent Coastguard also requested the Calshot RNLI lifeboat to launch and scrambled the coastguard helicopter. Southampton Coastguard Rescue Team also attended the scene.

They towed the casualty and dinghy to shore, where they were met by the helicopter, which took the man to a Southampton landing site, before he was taken to Southampton General Hospital by ambulance.                    

Solent Coastguard Watch Manager Tony Wheeler says:

“Hampshire Fire and Rescue officers are still on scene, dampening down the yacht, to ensure that the fire is out. The lifeboat and the coastguard team are helping them with this operation.      

“Remember in an emergency at sea or along the coast, you can call 999 and ask for the coastguard. Minutes can make all the difference in life-threatening situations.”