Following a report of a vessel on fire between Baiter and Fisherman's dock, both Poole RNLI lifeboats were launched just after 2200hrs on Friday September 14.

Poole boat blaze

The inshore lifeboat was first on scene, followed by the all-weather lifeboat with fire crew from Dorset Fire and Rescue Service to fight the fire. The vessel, a small 20 to 24-foot fishing boat, was well alight - and there had been a report to Portland Coastguard that a couple of people had been seen in the water close by so the Inshore lifeboat crew searched the immediate area, but found nothing. They therefore waited on standby while the crew of the all-weather lifeboat began dousing the flames.

Once the fire was extinguished, the vessel was towed up onto the shore at Baiter, where Poole Coastguard was on scene with another fire crew, who made the vessel safe.

Coming in the wake of the deaths of two men on the River Avon in Bath in a boat blaze, this mercifully casualty-free inferno is a timely reminder that boats require careful management to minimise the dangers of fire. For information and advice on how best to improve your fire safety, visit the RNLI. To see more of the charity's amazing work, see Fisherman and Runaway Boat Rescued and RNLI Hits Lifesaving Landmark With Kitesurfer Rescue.

Written by: Alex Smith
Alex Smith is a journalist, copywriter and magazine editor with a long history in boating and a happy addiction to the water. He’s worked on boats, lived on boats, bought boats, sold boats and – when he’s not actually on board a boat – he can generally be found in his Folkestone office, tapping away at the computer and gazing out to sea.