Seven escape injury after sail-training yacht catches fire

SEVEN PEOPLE WHO were on a sail-training outing this morning when their engine caught fire have escaped injury.

A spokesperson from Dún Laoghaire Lifeboats said that the skipper of the 37-foot sail-training yacht noticed smoke coming from the engine shortly after leaving the harbour.

The Dublin Coast Guard were alerted, who then contacted the RNLI in Dún Laoghaire who launched both an all-weather and an inshore lifeboat.

The crew of seven used fire extinguishers on the burning engine and were able to bring the boat back to the harbour themselves, where it is still afloat.

The members of the lifeboat crew inspected the yacht for fire and it was declared safe.

There were no injuries.

Read: Dun Laoghaire RNLI remembers volunteers lost at sea >