The speedboat Hot Banana lived up to her name on 6 July when a fire, believed to have started in the outboard engine, spread to the fuel tank and caused a major explosion.

The boat burst into flames at the entrance to Christchurch harbour and the nearby Mudeford lifeboat was at the scene within minutes and went as close as possible to see whether anyone was still aboard. The three occupants had, however, had a very lucky escape and managed to get ashore.

The lifeboat stood by as two fire appliances doused the flames, although the boat was a total loss..