Two injured after ship fire at Lyttelton

Two people have been taken to hospital after a fishing vessel caught fire at the Port of Lyttelton in Christchurch.

The burning vessel has been identified as the Desert Rose which is owned by Independent Fisheries.

All crew have been accounted for onboard a vessel burning at Lyttelton port this morning.
More than 11 fire crews and a number of specialist units are at the port near Christchurch fighting the blaze.

Ian Henderson, communications adviser of the St John South Island region, said two ambulances attended.

The burning fishing ship was berthed at the No7 wharf. Photo / Lyttelton Port of Christchurch

Four people were assessed and two were transported to Christchurch Hospital. The other two were not taken to hospital.

Southern fire service shift manager Rewi Grace said at this stage it appeared everyone had evacuated the ship before the fire took hold.

"I can confirm all persons are accounted for," he said.

He said six fire crews from Christchurch, five volunteer brigades and a number of specialist units were attempting to control the fire.

Large plumes of smoke billowing from the burning ship can be seen across Lyttelton.

The burning fishing ship was berthed at the No7 wharf.