One person was taken to hospital after a boat caught fire in Ely’s Harbour, Sandys, this evening.

The owner of the 40ft craft sustained minor injuries in the blaze at about 7.30pm and was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for observation.

Eight firefighters “fought through challenges” to extinguish the fire, according to Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman Sergeant Russann Francis, while a large crowd gathered to watch thick black smoke fill the air, with marine police also assisting at the scene.

Ms Francis said in a statement: “We responded to a 40ft boat that was fully involved in fire and producing heavy smoke near Wreck Road in Sandys.

“Once the fire has been fully extinguished we will conduct an investigation. At this time we would like to extend a sincere thank you to those members of the public and sister agencies whose efforts greatly assisted our team.”