Two people have been rescued, after what one eye witness described as a 'ferocious' boat fire off the Isle of Wight.
The vessel has now sunk, according to a resident of Leeson Road in Upper Bonchurch, who was watching through binoculars and described "big ball of flames" before watching it disappear under the water.
At around 10.20am, calls were made to the emergency services when a plume of black smoke was spotted off the Ventnor and Bonchurch coast.
Isle of Wight residents described huge flames coming from a boat out to sea.
The crews of Bembridge RNLI, Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat and the Coastguard helicopter raced to the scene.
Bembridge Coastguard Rescue was also called out.
A Maritime and Coastguard spokesperson has confirmed to the Isle of Wight County Press that two people have been rescued, with HM Coastguard coordinating the response.
A Mayday call was made from the vessel and multiple 999 calls were made by eye witnesses.
The Coastguard helicopter, based at Lee on Solent, was later stood down once it was confirmed those on board the vessel were all accounted for and safe.
The MCA was continuing to monitor the scene.
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