BASEMENT FIRE AT DERELICT OCEAN HOTEL EXTINGUISHED

Firefighters have tackled a small fire in the basement of the derelict Ocean Hotel in Sandown this evening (Friday). 4 appliances from Ryde, Newport, Shanklin and Ventnor – as well as the temporary Command Support Vehicle from Newport – responded to the seaside town following reports of smoke issuing from the already fire-damaged former hotel. It has been confirmed to Island Echo that a small fire, measuring 3m x 3m, was discovered in the basement. It has now been extinguished, and the area dampened down using a water backpack. The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service mobilised a paramedic crew, a critical care paramedic and an operational commander to the incident amid fears persons may have been in the building – usually children or squatters. However, no persons have been injured or located and paramedics have therefore stood down. The High Street was closed for a time but has since re-opened as the incident, which began at around 18:10, draws to a close. The Ocean Hotel has been subjected to a number of malicious fires in recent years following a significant blaze in 2021.