Boat sinks in serious fire at yacht club in Kent

A fire at a yacht club in Kent has resulted in one badly damaged boat sinking. Up to twenty five firefighters were joined by a fire boat and the coastguard at Strood Yacht Club near Rochester last night. Other boats were moved away from the blaze.

We spoke to Schuck Howard at the scene.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service say that a motor launch which caught fire at the Strood Yacht Club near Rochester has sunk.

It was initially thought that another two boats were also ablaze but firecrews have now made the scene safe and handed it back to the care of the yacht club.

A statement from the fire service said: "The motor launch has been too badly damaged by fire and has sunk."

Kent Fire and Rescue say that they have been unable to save a motor launch, one of three boats on fire in the Medway River at Strood Yacht Club.

However, firefighting operations are continuing but the incident is being scaled down to three fire engines and a fire launch boat.

Up to 25 firefighters are tackling the blaze at the yacht club in Temple Manor Marsh, Knight Road.

It started at around 8pm.

A fire launch boat and the Coastguard are also at the scene.

This dramatic picture captured by eyewitness, Stephen Fisher, of Strood, shows the extent of the fire taking hold at Strood Yacht Club.

According to the yacht club's website, the club is on the tidal waters of the River Medway within easy reach of the Thames Estuary and Allington Lock.

It overlooks the Historic Rochester Castle.

The club was founded in 1945 to promote boating and sailing on the Medway. It is a private members' club supported entirely by fees paid by members.

Approximately 25 firefighters are dealing with a fire at at Strood Yacht Club. At least three boats are reported to be on fire, including a 30ft motor launch moored at a pontoon.

Kent Fire and Rescue say that crews are making progress in moving other boats away from the fire and are waiting for a fire launch boat to help deal with the incident.