A dramatic search and rescue operation saved four people from a burning motorboat 20 miles off the coast of the Isles of Scilly on Saturday evening. The 60-foot vessel erupted in flames after its engine exploded at approximately 5:30 p.m., prompting an immediate response from the RNLI.
Rescue Mission Launched
The St Mary's RNLI lifeboat was launched shortly after the Coastguard was alerted at 5:35 p.m. The crew arrived just over an hour later to find the four passengers ready to evacuate, having launched a dinghy and packed grab bags. The captain initially reported that the fire was out and requested a tow to St Mary's, but rescuers deemed this too risky due to the potential for re-ignition.
Believing the fire was linked to the other engine's turbo, the captain started the vessel's remaining engine. Moments later, thick black smoke poured from the saloon, forcing a change in plans.
Abandon Ship Order
An RNLI spokesperson based at St Mary's described the unfolding events: 'The lifeboat crew stated to him to proceed with extreme caution with going anywhere near the engine bays, to which he said he could start it in the wheelhouse. The skipper had the intention that he could pass under escort by the lifeboat to an anchorage outside of any harbour. The engine was started and almost immediately black smoke started to come out of the saloon doors, so the engine was stopped again and all 4 were told to abandon the vessel immediately.'
The coxswain manoeuvred the lifeboat alongside the burning vessel, and all four people were safely extracted. The lifeboat then moved to a safe distance.
Safe Return to Shore
After checking for injuries or smoke inhalation, the four individuals were taken back to St Mary's harbour and landed onto the quay, where they were met by local friends. An RNLI spokesperson confirmed: 'St Marys RNLI station launched after being tasked by the Coastguard at 5.35pm to an incident off the coast of the Isle of Scilly which involved a motorboat on fire. Four people were brought back to safety on the RNLI lifeboat.'
The cause of the engine explosion remains under investigation. No injuries were reported among the rescued individuals or rescue crew.
