Firefighters Called After Smoke Seen Rising From Hovercraft At Southsea Terminal

Fire crews were called to Hovertravel's Southsea terminal on Wednesday evening after smoke was spotted coming from one of the operator's hovercraft.

The incident involved Island Flyer, which was at the Clarence Esplanade terminal when concerns were raised shortly before 17:30.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service dispatched firefighters to the scene following reports of smoke coming from the vessel.

On arrival, crews found the situation had already been brought under control after the hovercraft's onboard fire suppression system activated and extinguished the fire.

Firefighters then used a hose reel jet to cool the engine compartment and carried out precautionary checks to ensure there was no risk of the fire reigniting.

The incident was safely resolved without further complications, with crews remaining on scene for around an hour before returning to station shortly after 18:30.

No injuries were reported.

Hovertravel statement

"Hovertravel can confirm that an engine room fire warning was activated on board Island Flyer as it prepared to depart Southsea on the evening of Wednesday 24 June.

"The pilot and crew immediately implemented established safety procedures, safely evacuating all 31 passengers. 

"Our engineering team has identified the cause and, following notification to the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, it has been confirmed as an isolated occurrence.

"Hovertravel services resumed as normal from 0630 on Thursday 25 June.

"We thank our passengers for their patience and acknowledge the professionalism of our pilot, crew, engineering team and the fire crew who attended."