Lifeboat called to tall ship fire

The Tenacious is purpose-built for a mixed-ability crew

A tall ship with 39 people on board is heading for port in Dorset after a fire on the vessel off the Devon coast.

Two lifeboats from Torbay were called out in an operation initially co-ordinated by Brixham coastguard.

The training vessel Tenacious, which belongs to the Jubilee Sailing Trust, is now heading for port in Portland.

It has 10 permanent crew and a guest complement of disabled and able-bodied people on board. No-one was hurt in the fire.

The trust's engineering manager Richard Walker said the emergency drill ran smoothly.

"At no time were any personnel on board exposed to danger," he said.

"Our permanent crew are trained to the highest international maritime standards and the ship is maintained likewise."

The fire is believed to have been in the engine room.

The three-masted, square-rigged vessel is the largest of the two tall ships run by the trust and was on a voyage from Southampton to Milford Haven.

Both ships are purpose-built to be sailed by a crew with mixed physical abilities, including wheelchair users.

Those with disabilities have "buddies" to help them.