THIS was the scene faced by 15-year-old Lydney Air Training Cadet Ryan Walker when his father’s boat exploded and burst into flames at its moorings in a Dutch marina.

Remarkably Ryan, who was below decks, escaped with burns to his hands, nose and ear.

The Wyedean schoolboy, who lives with his father at Tutshill, was sent flying by the explosion.

Surrounded by fire he tried to escape through a window but found his way blocked. Instead he was forced to make his escape by running through the flames – but not before grabbing the family dog, Basil, and a folder containing passports and money.

Though suffering from second degree burns, he headed back into the boat to try and find his father. Fortunately, he suddenly emerged in front of him.

“We had missed each other in the thick smoke and Ryan was racing back into the fire to try and find me,” said Robert Walker.

“He was brave beyond his years and what he did was both remarkable and courageous. I am very proud of him. He is a credit to the ATC and the school.”

Mr Walker has been renovating a Dutch barge as a houseboat with plans to sail it on the network of canals through France.

“Ryan has been helping and was taking items below deck when the explosion happened, probably in the galley,” he said.

The fire was so intense it destroyed a second vessel moored alongside.

The harbour authorities at Zaandam towed Mr Walker’s vessel clear of the others and beneath a bridge from which fire-fighters quickly brought the fire under control.

Mr Walker said his son was planning a career with the RAF.