Update: Engine problem led family to fear cruiser on the Norfolk Broads had caught fire
Wroxham Broad, where a cruiser caught fire on Saturday evening. Picture: James Bass - Credit: Eastern Daily Press © 2011
Nine passengers have been rescued after they feared a boat they hired for a weekend on the Norfolk Broads had caught fire.
Firefighters from Sprowston, Earlham, Stalham and Carrow were sent to Wroxham Broad after being called at 6.34pm.
A fire service spokesman said everyone on board had been rescued by the time the crews arrived, and firefighters launched a boat to try to find the vessel, which was drifting.
An ambulance was called to the scene in case anyone had suffered smoke inhalation, but the paramedics said they were not required.
The boat, from Herbert Woods, and not Richardsons as previously reported, was secured last night.
Some passengers briefly returned to the boat last night to retrieve their possessions, and Herbert Woods put them up in holiday accommodation for the night.
Michael Whitaker, a partner at Herbert Woods, said a belt on the engine had broken and caused a jam, which caused smoke, but no actual flames.
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He said a new belt was fitted this morning, and the boat started immediately and had returned to the boatyard under its own steam.
James David Bradbury, who was not at the scene but was been in contact with the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club, tweeted: 'Boat is on fire Wroxham Broad, 9 passengers are safe, Norfolk Broads Yacht Club is looking after them well.'
Did you see what happened? Do you have any photos? Email martin.george@archant.co.uk
