Fire breaks out on hovercraft at Clarence Pier as crews see smoke pouring from vessel

Smoke poured from a hovercraft after a fire broke out onboard the vessel at Clarence pier.

Fire crews rushed to the scene in Southsea yesterday evening (June 24). A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) spokesperson said they receive reports of smoke coming from the vessel at 5.30pm.

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They added: “Upon arrival, crews found that the fire had already been extinguished by the hovercraft’s onboard fire suppression system. Firefighters used a hose reel jet to cool the engine compartment and carried out checks to ensure the area was safe.

“Crews left the scene and returned to station shortly after 6.30pm.”

One eyewitness said the engine room on the hovercraft caught fire due to it overheating. They added that three fire engines were at the scene, with smoke being seen coming out the back of the vessel.

The Hovertravel vessel regularly ferries passengers between Southsea and Ryde, Isle of Wight. A company spokesperson said: “Hovertravel can confirm that an engine room fire warning was activated on board Island Flyer as it prepared to depart Southsea on the evening of Wednesday, June 24. The pilot and crew immediately implemented established safety procedures, safely evacuating all 31 passengers.

“Our engineering team has identified the cause and, following notification to the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, it has been confirmed as an isolated occurrence. Hovertravel services resumed as normal from 6.30pm on June 25. We thank our passengers for their patience and acknowledge the professionalism of our pilot, crew, engineering team and the fire crew who attended.”