Hovercraft engines seen smoking as passengers evacuated

Thirty-one passengers have been evacuated from a hovercraft after its engines were seen smoking.

Hovertravel's Island Flyer was preparing to depart from Southsea on Wednesday evening on its regular route to Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

Fire crews attended the scene and the hovercraft's crew used the onboard fire extinguisher.

Hovertravel said its services were currently cancelled and it would provide its next update on Thursday morning.

A Hovertravel spokesperson said: "Hovertravel can confirm that a fire warning was activated on Island Flyer as it was preparing to depart from Southsea this evening.

"The pilot and four crew members immediately implemented established safety procedures, evacuating all 31 passengers from the hovercraft safely.

"The pilot deployed the vessel's engine room fire extinguisher and the fire service is on site."

The fire service has been contacted for more details.