• Beach-goers look on with concern as smoke billows from the ship. The National
    Beach-goers look on with concern as smoke billows from the ship. The National
  • A vessel on fire off the coast of Dubai, near Burj Al Arab. Farah Andrews / The National
    A vessel on fire off the coast of Dubai, near Burj Al Arab. Farah Andrews / The National
  • Firefighters aboard specialised boats tackle the blaze off the coast of Dubai. The National
    Firefighters aboard specialised boats tackle the blaze off the coast of Dubai. The National
  • Smoke billows from a vessel on fire off the coast of Dubai. Farah Andrews / The National
    Smoke billows from a vessel on fire off the coast of Dubai. Farah Andrews / The National

Fire breaks out on vessel near Dubai's Burj Al Arab


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A fire broke out on a yacht off the coast of Dubai, near landmark Burj Al Arab, on Friday.

Smoke billowed from the vessel a little before 2pm.

Dubai Civil Defence rescued three passengers from the yacht before extinguishing the blaze.

They said the fire appeared to have been caused by engine failure and fuel leakage that then ignited. Police said nobody was hurt.

On Friday, beach-goers were left stunned by the sight, gathering by the shore to watch what was happening.

It was not long before people began posting pictures to social media and sharing their concern for those on board.

"Huge fire on a ship near Burj Al Arab, Dubai. Hope everyone on board is OK," said Kiera Doherty on Twitter. "Looks pretty serious."

Firefighters aboard ships equipped with hoses were soon seen circulating the vessel and tackling the blaze.

Eyewitnesses reported smoke decreasing by 2.30pm.