Large fire at a marina workshop in Cowes, A Town in England

Isle of Wight fire: Ferries stopped as huge blaze breaks out at Cowes boatyard.

Explosions reported and residents evacuated after fire erupts at marina workshop containing flammable gas and 50 fibreglass boats.

Ferry services to the Isle of Wight have been disrupted after a large fire at a boatyard on an industrial estate in Cowes.

Explosions were reported after the blaze broke out at a marina workshop, containing flammable gas and 50 fibreglass boats, in Medina Village.

Plumes of smoke billowed as high as 200ft into the air while more than 30 firefighters tackled the blaze on Monday afternoon.

Smoke could be seen from Isle of Wight ferries and one operator, Red Funnel, was forced to cancel some services on safety grounds.

Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene at about 12.30pm.

Fifty fibreglass boats are believed to be on the premises, in addition to cars and acetylene cylinders.

Social media users posted pictures on Twitter of a pall of thick, black smoke visible around the town.