By Isle of Wight Observer
Firefighters from Newport and Cowes were mobilised to Cowes Yacht Haven (off the High Street) in the early hours of Monday morning to tackle a blaze on board a yacht. The blue, red-hulled vessel, which has been gutted by the fire, was being stored onshore for the winter season.
Two fire engines were mobilised to the scene, together with paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service. A teenager has been rushed to St Mary’s Hospital in Newport. It is understood he is likely to be transferred to The national burns centre in Swansea, which specialises in burns via air ambulance or rescue helicopter. Police have cordoned off the area around Town Quay and the High Street as a joint investigation between Hampshire Constabulary and the IW Fire and Rescue Service is launched.
The circumstances of the fire are being investigated and being treated as suspicious.
Officers are expected to be conducting their enquiries throughout the night in Cowes. Police also remain at the hospital with the teenager
Management at the Yacht Haven refused to comment on the incident or that an incident had even taken place.
Hampshire Constabulary has been approached for a statement.
