Crew of five rescued from boat near Lee-on-the-Solent after 'possible engine fire'

Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service and the Hillhead Coastguard went out to the boat, which was drifting near Lee-on-the-Solent at about 5.30pm on Thursday, after the people on board saw smoke coming from the engine.

A crew from Gosport Fire Station also attended and told The News the smoke was likely to be from ‘overheating’.

A post from GAFIRS read: ‘Paged this afternoon to assist a vessel which was struggling in choppy sea conditions and called for help when they found smoke billowing from their engine.

‘This incident was a good opportunity to put Trainee Coxswain Chris and Trainee Crew Ben to the test. Under the command of Coxswain Pete, Gosport Lifeboat took the vessel into safe haven where Hants Fire and Hill Head Coastguard assisted further. Five persons assisted, all safe and well.

Hillhead Coastguard Rescue Team tweeted: ‘Team tasked to vessel with possible engine fire drifting close to shore in Lee-on-the-Solent. Casualties transferred to @GAFIRS & vessel recovered to Gosport for @Gosport18 firefighters to check safety.

‘Casualties checked for medical by coastguards & paramedic. #teamwork’

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