Lifeboats are rushing to reports of a large boat fire off the east coast of the Isle of Wight this morning (Saturday). Plumes of black smoke can be seen billowing from a vessel off Shanklin and Ventnor – clearly visible to those on the shore. It’s currently unclear what type of vessel is ablaze. Bembridge RNLI’s inshore and All Weather Lifeboats are rushing to the scene, alongside Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat. Coastguard Rescue 175 has been scrambled from Lee-on-Solent. 
UPDATE @ 11:31 – HM Coastguard says that 2 persons on board the boat when the blaze erupted have been rescued. Island Echo understands that the motor boat ‘Peroni’ departed from Portsmouth Harbour earlier this morning before the fire broke out off Shanklin, prompting a Mayday call. The first smoke was visible at around 10:20. Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter from Lee on Solent has now stood down from the incident as it has been confirmed all persons are accounted for. The vessel is still ablaze but there is little that can be done to douse the flames. Instead, attentions will now turn to pollution control. The casualties are being taken ashore by Bembridge’s All Weather Lifeboat. 
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