Two quick-thinking heroes raced into action when a boat exploded and burst into a ball of flames at Queenborough on the Isle of Sheppey.

Harbour operator Rob Willmott was about to head for home when apprentice Harry Coughlan, 16, spotted a fire on the all-tide landing.

Des Cross, who chairs the Queenborough Harbour Trust, said: “If it hadn’t been for their fast reactions of these two, the situation could have been a whole lot worse. It must have been pretty scary but they are both heroes.”

The drama began at 6pm on Wednesday, October 21.

The pair had finished work for the day and were talking on Crundall’s Wharf at the top of the landing stage when Harry looked back and saw flames.

Mr Cross said: “They both ran back to the boat. Harry went to the office to get radios and fire extinguishers while Rob stayed at the boat. He realised a commercial fishing boat next to it was in danger of catching fire so he dodged under the flames to move it to safety and create a fire-break.

“The fishing boat had been full of fuel as it was going to be used that night. It must have been pretty risky ducking in and out of the flames.

“By the time Harry returned with the fire extinguishers the fire had taken hold so the pair beat a retreat.

“Luckily Kent Fire and Rescue crews were on site within minutes and soon had the fire under control and then out.

“But they kept everyone else off the pontoon until they were sure all the other boats were safe.”

He added: “It could have been much worse if the wind had been blowing in the other direction and it had been the summer when we have many more boats.”

It is not known how the fire started but the owner, believed to be from Dartford, had been working on the boat earlier in the day. The hull of the 22ft vessel was moved the following day.

Flames and plumes of billowing clouds of black smoke could be seen from miles around.

There were reports of a big bang which could have been an exploding gas cylinder.

Mr Willmott received oxygen for smoke inhalation at the scene.

Fire crews used a portable pump and hoses to fight the fire. They said 80% of the vessel was destroyed by the blaze.

Apprentice Harry has only been with the Harbour Trust for six months while Mr Willmott, who has been working on the water since he was 17, joined the team in 2016.

Video: A fire engine arrives at Crundall's Wharf, Queenborough

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