Historic boatyard destroyed in huge fire on Thames island

The Brigade was called at around 5:15pm on Monday to tackle the blaze at the Grade-II listed boatyards in south-west London.

Two industrial units were completely destroyed by the fire, as eyewitnesses reported “explosions” coming from island on the Thames.

Some 15 fire engines attended the scene, with crews forced to carry their equipment to the blaze by hand as Platt’s Eyot can only be accessed via a footbridge.

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

LFB said its control room had received more than 70 calls about the fire, which was brought under control by 8:30pm on Monday night.

Footage from the incident showed two large buildings at the Hampton Boat Sheds on fire, while subsequent photos showed just the charred remains of the structures.

Heritage boathouse trying to survive the 🔥🔥🔥
🤞🤞🤞🤞 pic.twitter.com/PSEms9cyOn

— Hampton Court Rescue (@HCRCMary) May 3, 2021

Nearby boats have been moved from the area as a precaution, however one of the historic vessels that rescued WW2 soldiers during the evacuation of Dunkirk is said to be among those lost in the fire.

A man has also been treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service crews.