TWO PEOPLE were rescued from the boat when it caught fire on the Lymington River.

Firefighters and the RNLI scrambled to rescue the pair trapped on the burning Axopar 28 Cabin boat.

As dark black smoke billowed into the air, the pair had been saved by a passing fishing boat before emergency teams arrived.

Bournemouth Echo:

Lymington RNLI posted the dramatic rescue on its social media.

It read: “Lymington RNLI crew pagers sounded at 2.47pm on Sunday 22 October.

“The volunteer crew hurried to launch the station's B-class inshore lifeboat.

“The lifeboat proceeded quickly towards the clearly visible, thick black smoke billowing from the casualty vessel on the eastern shore of the river.

“The lifeboat crew was then tasked to ensure passing boats kept well clear of the danger and provide safety cover for the fire service, who attended and extinguished the fire.

“Two fire engines, HM Coastguard, and police had also mustered to jointly manage the situation, on and off the water. 

“We escorted the casualty vessel, towed by the Harbour Master, to the slipway.

“Unfortunately, the vessel had burned almost to the waterline but all persons were unharmed thanks to the quick, professional response of all involved."