Yacht fire on the Hamble River
by Trevor Pountain 31 Oct 2018 02:13 PDT
30 October 2018
A small yacht caught fire on the Hamble River on Tuesday morning at about 11.00 am. The yacht named Why Knot was on its mooring off the Ferry Hard close to the Hamble River Sailing Club. The owner who was on board at the time was recovered by a passing boat before the flames engulfed the yacht. He is believed to be unharmed.
Two Units from the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene, along with the Harbour Master, Jason Scott, the Coast Guard and Hamble Rescue. The plan formulated was to damp down the yacht and then allow it to sink on its mooring, so as not to endanger other boats.
Initially, the Fire and Rescue Service used a hose from the shore, until it was possible to get the Hamble Rescue rib close enough to flood the yacht with sea water.
By 12.30 pm Why Knot had disappeared below the rising tide. She will be recovered by the Hamble and Warsash Pink Ferry Company who manage the mooring.