Man severely burnt in houseboat fire

A man has been severely burnt in a houseboat fire in Kent.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at the jetty near First Avenue in Queenborough and on arrival found a fire in the living area of the boat.

Due to difficult access they had to use a rib so they could tackle the fire from the water side of the vessel.

A man in his late 50's was rescued from the boat. He was then transferred to the Sheppey Lifeboat before being taken to Sheerness Docks where he was met by paramedics and treated for the effects of breathing in smoke and for severe burns to his face, arms and hands. He was then transferred to hospital.

The house boat living area has been left severely damaged by the fire, which was accidental and started in a diesel heater. The houseboat owner was alerted to the fire by his smoke alarm that he'd installed on the boat.