• Firefighters extinguish blaze on drifting boat

Firefighters extinguish blaze on drifting boat

Onlookers watched as two people jumped into Napier's inner harbour this evening when the boat they were on caught fire.

Emergency services, including a St John Ambulance and two appliances from Napier, were called to the incident near Nelson Quay at about 7.50pm. 

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokeswoman said the pair left the small boat, powered by an outboard motor, which was drifting about 30 metres offshore. 

By 8.20pm the fire had been extinguished and the boat and been handed over to the owner and the coastguard.

The pair did not require medical treatment. 

A witness, who did not wish to be named, said a woman "bailed pretty early". 

However, he said a man was "trying to save" the boat.

"He hesitated, obviously wanting to save it but apparently had petrol on board as well so caught in two minds I guess before he finally bailed too."

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