Dramatic rescue launched after yacht suddenly bursts into flames sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky
TWO people have been dramatically rescued from a yacht after it suddenly burst into flames at a Gower beach.
Emergency services were called to Caswell Bay and Brandy Cove after locals saw a boat ablaze and thick plumes of smoke billowing across the sky.
Pictures from the scene showed flames engulfing a white boat and thick plumes of smoke billowing across the sky.
In one photo a slight discolouration could be seen in the sea, which led to some residents believing the blaze was caused by oil – but this has not yet been confirmed.
Local residents Mark and Helen Rebecca Bowden noticed the fire at around 1.30pm on Saturday and sent their drone down to try and find out what had happened.
Helen said: “We noticed the fire around 1.30ish and sent [our] drone down.
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“There was a lifeboat and a fire engine, which could only get part-way down Brandy Cove so the firefighters have only just got there [now at 2.25pm.]”
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard has since confirmed two people have been safely rescued from the vessel, whilst the boat remains on-fire.
The spokesperson said: “Two people have been safely rescued after their boat caught fire off Caswell Bay, in the Gower.
“HM Coastguard coordinated the response sending both Mumbles RNLI lifeboat and Mumbles Coastguard Rescue Team along with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
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“The two people on board the 37 foot yacht were both rescued and taken ashore while the vessel itself has gone aground near to Brandy Cove and is still on fire.
“Counter pollution officers at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency have been informed along with the local authority.”
Team Leader with HM Coastguard, Ieuan Williams added: “This looked and was incredibly dramatic. The lifeboat did an incredible job of taking two people off a burning vessel.
“We’re also very grateful to all those in the area on their own pleasure boats who used their VHF radios to alert us to what was happening and also stayed in the vicinity in case they were able to help.”
Lifeboat operations manager at RNLI Mumbles Station, Tim Conway has given further details on how the RNLI came to be aware of the fire.
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He said: “At 12.32pm we had sent both our lifeboats. Our in-shore lifeboat was already on its way to a broken-down boat, as they were approaching the bay they saw smoke – the helm approached and called the coastguard and asked for the all-weather boat to be sent out.
“The in-shore lifeboat took two people off the boat and cleared the beach. There were no injuries, people got off safely and they’re fine – but obviously a bit upset. They [lifeboat crews] then set up a screen to keep the shoreline clear.”