WELL-KNOWN West Oxfordshire businessman John Bond-Smith told tonight how he dived head-first from his blazing powerboat into the River Thames to escape 20ft-high flames.

Mr Bond-Smith, 66, is recovering at home in Standlake with burns to his torso and arms after surviving yesterday's Bank Holiday drama on his 28ft-long Seamaster powerboat.

The director of West Oxfordshire Motor Auction described how he had moored his £15,000 boat close to The Ferryman Inn, Bablockhythe, when he was suddenly surrounded by flames.

Mr Bond-Smith hurled an LPG canister into the river to prevent the boat from exploding before diving head-first into the water. He was hauled out of the water by passers-by.

Mr Bond-Smith was treated at hospital for burns to his arms and torso, but later discharged.

He said: "I was starting up the gas fridge and pushed the button, but nothing happened. I held the gas in again and then heard a 'whoosh'.

"The next thing I knew flames were all over the place. I threw one of the gas canisters into the water and looked for the fire extinguisher - but everything was alight and I had no time to think.

"So I jumped headfirst out of the boat into the water through the canvas. It was amazing, and lucky, the canvas was open.

"I swam out of the way of the flames and some kind people helped me out the water.

"I am lucky and so grateful for those people who put cold water on my burns - and I owe the fact I am not seriously burned to them."

He was helped by residents of Thameside Residential Caravan Park until an air ambulance flew in.

Four crews of firefighters spent more than half an hour tackling the flames, but could not save the craft from sinking.

Mr Bond-Smith added: "I really loved that boat and it had just come back from the mechanics. But I have no problem about getting back on the water again.

"I've been a racing driver for many years and you get used to things like this happening."

Mr Bond-Smith, who used to race sports cars and owns a fleet of rare classic cars, is a governor at Cokethorpe School, Ducklington.

The Environment Agency is carrying out tests to see if any pollutants escaped into the water.