TWO people were rescued when the engine of their boat caught fire on Monday morning.

Lifeboat crews from Swanage were called at 11.22am when the outboard engine on a small powerboat, with two persons on board, caught fire.

Passing vessels rushed to the aid as the crew set an anchor and quickly moved fuel tanks to the bow of the boat.

While waiting for the lifeboat, one of the passing boats took the two crews members on board for their safety as smoke was pouring out of the engine casing.

The lifeboat arrived at the scene a few minutes later, taking the two crew on board.

The lifeboat’s ‘fire main’ was used to cool the smoking engine before a tow was connected and a request was made for fire crews to meet the lifeboat as it returned.

The vessel was towed back to Swanage and passed over to the firefighters, who ensured that the fire was completely extinguished.

Meanwhile, the crew began making arrangements to get back to Poole in order to get their trailer and retrieve the boat.

The lifeboat and volunteer crew were back on their slipway at 12.11pm.

A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said they were called at 11.50am.

"Both crews from Swanage were sent to the station to meet the lifeboat which, we were told was towing a vessel after the engine caught fire.

"There were two people on board but fortunately there were no injuries and they had been taken in to the care of the lifeboat.

"The engine was smoking so one hose reel jet was made ready for when the lifeboat pulled up."

The spokesman added fire crews had dealt with the fire by 12.15pm and all crews left the scene just after 1pm.