A FIRE on board a yacht was put out by firemen last night.

Crews were called at 11.30pm to the boat, which was moored about 100 metres off Western Esplanade, Westcliff.

Firefighters were able to walk through thick mud to get the 27-foot burning vessel, called the Sea Otter, as it was low tide.

The cause of the blaze, which badly damaged the cabin of the craft, is under investigation.