The fire brigade, coastguard and RNLI Exmouth lifeboat were called to Starcross this afternoon after the Starcross to Exmouth ferry caught fire.

‘Princess Marina’ was already well alight by the time the emergency services attended.

Fire crews from Dawlish and Middlemoor tackled the fire on a boat operated by Simon Turl moorings maintenance and servicing firm, while a fire crew from Exmouth were on board the Exmouth lifeboat. A Hazmat team from Newton Abbot were also on scene.

‘Thankfully no one was hurt,’ Simon Turl said. ‘It’s so sad to see boats going up in flames.’

The Starcross to Exmouth ferry operators are currently away on a break after the season ended last month. ‘Unfortunately, we’ve heard the terrible news whilst being away that ‘Princess Marina’ has caught fire,’ a spokesperson said. ‘We would just like to thank everyone involved who helped get the fire under control. It’s much appreciated at such as devastating time for us,’ the spokesperson added.

Dawlish Fire Station sent their best wishes to the ferry team saying ‘we hope they are able to bounce back before the season starts once more’.

The ferry transports footpassengers between Starcross and Exmouth between April and October each year.