Six jump overboard to escape WA boat fire

Five adults and a child have jumped overboard to escape a fire on board their boat as they tried to travel between Perth and Rottnest Island.

The fire started about 9.30am on Wednesday on the 55-foot vessel and the group, which included a five-year-old girl, were collected from the water by a passing boat before being picked up by Fremantle Volunteer Marine Rescue, WA Police say.

No injuries were reported. It is believed the fire started in the engine room and eventually sunk the boat.

The fire will be investigated by the Department of Transport's marine safety unit.