A HISTORIC gunboat which survived the Second World War exploded in a ball of flames after a stray ember caught light.

The motor launch, one of just four left in the country, was being used as a houseboat in St Osyth.

Neighbours raised the alarm after they saw flames. There was a huge explosion as a gas bottle ruptured in the inferno.

Luckily no-one was on board.

Fire crews from Clacton and Colchester and a water rescue boat from Leigh tackled the boatyard blaze.

The Fairmile B motor launch, called the Jamaican Moon, was being renovated by Terry Young, who lives on board.

Daughter Katie Morris, of Dunthorpe Road, Clacton, said: “Dad got back to the boatyard and there were three fire crews there. There were flames going 20ft into the air.

“The lady in the boat next door said she’d smelt smoke and seen flames. Then there was a massive explosion.

“It’s caused a hell of a lot of damage.

“Dad has been working on it for such a long time. It’s such a shame – he’s devastated.”

The fire is believed to have been caused by an ember which burst into flames in the chimney.

Its stunned owner has spent thousands restoring the former gunboat.

Terry, 54, fell in love with the Jamaican Moon when he was a young boy, adding: “It used to be behind the Flag pub and has been down here for the last 20 years.

“I’ve always been after her.

“Thirty years ago I tried to find out who owned her. Then I stumbled across her down here.

“It was a bit of a shock to see flames shooting out of the top this morning.”

Terry hopes to move back on board as soon as possible.

He is determined the Jamaican Moon will be restored to her former glory, despite losing materials in the fire, and is appealing for anyone who can help to come forward. He said: “Luckily, most of the damage is on the top deck. She still floats, which is the most important thing.

“She’s 70-years-old next year. I’m not giving up on her.

“It could have been a lot, lot worse, so you’ve got to be grateful for small mercies.”