Isle of Wight fire: Ferries stopped as blaze breaks out at boatyard

Homes have been evacuated and ferry services to the Isle of Wight disrupted after a large fire broke out at a boatyard in Cowes.

The blaze broke out at a marina workshop, and explosions were reported as it contained flammable gas and 50 fibreglass boats.

See also: Man cheats death aft 40ft boat bursts into flames

See also: Boat catches fire before sinking in Isles of Scilly

Around 50 firefighters were sent to the scene as smoke billowed up to 200ft in the air.

According to the Daily Telegraph, a Hampshire Fire and Service spokesman said: "There is a major fire inside an industrial unit near the harbour in Cowes.

"There is a great deal of smoke coming out and we have got six appliances there. We have evacuated the residential homes on Bridge Street."

The BBC reports that a 200-metre cordon was put in place and the Cowes Chain Ferry has been suspended.

The Red Funnel Ferries service was suspended, and a spokesman said: "Red Funnel's vehicle ferry service between Southampton and East Cowes has now been suspended on safety grounds due to a large fire which has broken out in the Medina Village area of Cowes (West).

"Foot passengers are being given free upgrades to Red Funnel's Red Jet service between Southampton and West Cowes which is operating normally."

It is believed the service has now resumed, and passengers can get service updates on Twitter.

Many residents and papers have taken to social media to share pictures of the scene:

The Island Echo reports that several boats, cars and buildings were destroyed.

The paper adds that the fire has now been brought under control, although the cause of the blaze was not immediately clear.

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