Huge blaze has destroyed two Grade-II listed boatyards and vessels on a Thames island in south-west London.
One of the historic “little ships” that rescued WW2 soldiers during the evacuation of Dunkirk was said to be among those lost in the fire.
The inferno broke out at Platt’s Eyot in Hampton just after 5pm on Monday, with witnesses claiming to have heard “explosions” coming from the area.
Looks like you need more machines and a fire boat pic.twitter.com/Jtpxx5llTe
— Ejderha (@Ejderha77) May 3, 2021
Boaters were trying to get close to the industrial fire to help as firefighters approached the island from the water.
At the height of the incident, fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters were tackling the fire.
The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and caused by a stray ember from rubbish which was being burned nearby, carried by the high winds.
The fire brigade said three disused single-storey industrial units on the island were completely destroyed by the blaze.
One 30 foot cabin cruiser was destroyed and a further four 30 foot cabin cruisers were damaged.
Firefighters continue to tackle a fire at two single-storey industrial units on Platt's Eyot island. The only access is via a footbridge, therefore all the equipment had to be carried by hand to the scene by firefighters https://t.co/JUVeePHGDd pic.twitter.com/VRKbGrnxT4
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) May 3, 2021
