POOLE lifeboat crews were called to a boat engulfed in flames at Parkstone Yacht Club on Monday night.

As reported, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service received more than 40 emergency calls about the fire shortly after 8.30pm.

A spokesperson said the intention was to left the fire burn out and crews would remain overnight.

And Poole RNLI attended to provide safety cover.

Dorset Echo:

A spokesperson said: “Both Poole lifeboats were immediately launched by UK Coastguard just after 8.30pm to a report of a boat on fire.

“Poole lifeboat volunteers were tasked to attend a boat on fire at Parkstone Yacht Club. When the lifeboats arrived on scene, the vessel, a 10 meters catamaran yacht was well alight.

Dorset Echo:

“The lifeboat crew liaised with DWFireRescue to ascertain that there had been no people onboard, which thankfully there hadn’t.

“The lifeboats were asked to provide safety cover and maintain a minimum of 50 meters exclusion zone, a lot of people had gathered, on land and on water, to get a closer look.

"The billowing acrid black smoke, could be seen for miles.

“The vessel had been on a mooring when it had gone up in flames, a quick-thinking bystander ‘let it go’ so it would drift towards the breakwater to settle on the mud and away from other vessels.

Dorset Echo:

“The lifeboats stood by as the vessel was burning down, meanwhile, provision was being made by the Deputy Harbour Master, to contain any pollution.

“Poole Coastguard Rescue Team and Southbourne Coastguards were also standing by and provided the safety cover, shoreside.

“As there was no life in danger and the fire was contained, the lifeboat crews were stood down, with thanks and returned to station.”

DW Fire has been contacted for an update.

Dorset Echo: Picture: Mim BeesPicture: Mim Bees