A BOAT fire near Cowes has prompted an emergency response this afternoon (Wednesday, August 24).

Firefighters were alerted at around 4.45pm to a fire on the River Medina, near the Folly Inn.

Cowes RNLI lifeboat crews arrived at the scene alongside fire crews and coastguard.

The vessel was towed to a yard in East Cowes where firefighters from Newport were waiting.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that the fire was out on arrival and crews have now started to leave.

UPDATE

Cowes RNLI later said: "The boat was eventually towed to Kingston, East Cowes, by a Cowes harbour launch. It appears no-one aboard required medical attention."