Two hurt in catamaran explosion

A warning was issued after the blaze about the danger of fire on boats Enlarge Image

A man and a woman have been taken to hospital after an explosion on a catamaran moored in Pwllheli harbour in north Wales.

Holyhead coastguard said they received a 999 call at 1540 BST saying the yacht was on fire.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said a man in his 50s received burns to his face, arms and feet. The woman was also being treated for shock.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation, the service said.

The service said the 26ft (8m) catamaran was about 100m (110 yards) offshore and the fire was quickly extinguished.

Crews from Pwllheli and Porthmadog attended the blaze and used one main jet to extinguish it.

The injured man and woman were brought to shore by the inshore lifeboat, and then taken by road and air to hospital.

The fire service later issued a warning about the dangers of fires on boats.

Fire safety enforcement officer Alan Williams said: "Fires onboard boats can be very serious, especially if they are out at sea.

"Boat owners and users should be aware of the dangers of LPG and fuel in boats, and follow fire safety precautions to minimise risks."