Fire-ravaged ferry owners were on holiday when they heard 'horrible' news

The owners of the Starcross - Exmouth Ferry have reacted to the news that their boat went up in flames yesterday (November 26). They have said they were away when they heard the "horrible news".

The ferry service is operated by the Rackley family, transporting passengers across the Exe Estuary between Starcross and Exmouth. The ferry had come to the end of its operating season, which is typically from April to October, less than a month ago.

After completing the season, the family had gone away on holiday. They say they were alerted to a fire onboard one of their vessels the 'Princess Marina' by calls from people who had seen flames and smoke billowing from the boat.

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Firefighters from Dawlish, Newton Abbot, Exmouth and Exeter rushed to the scene to battle the blaze and managed to reach the fire by boarding another harbour boat. They were helped by crews from RNLI Exmouth and Simon Turl Moorings.

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Photos show the boat, one of two operated by the ferry service, severely damaged by the fire. No one was onboard at the time and Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service have said they believe the cause to be accidental.

In a post on their Facebook and Instagram pages the Starcross - Exmouth Ferry described it as "horrible news". They said: "Unfortunately we've heard the horrible news whilst being away that ‘Princess Marina’ has caught fire.

"We would just like to thank everyone involved who helped get the fire under control whilst we’re not there. It’s much appreciated in such a devastating time for us, thanks again."

In a further comment, they added: "Thank you so much everyone for the kind messages, we’re not sure what the cause was at this current time as we’re away at the moment. Huge thank you to RNLI Exmouth, Simon Turl Moorings and everyone involved who got things under control and to all the people who called to let us know."

Comments under the post said the fire marked "a very sad day", while others offered support to get the service back up and running in time for the next season, suggesting a fundraiser. Acknowledging the messages under the post, Izzy Rackley said: "Thanks everyone for your kind words. This is truly devastating. My dad and this business has had Princess Marina for 40 odd years, extremely sad."