A man has suffered serious burns to 40 per cent of his body after a boat caught fire in Sydney’s inner west.

Emergency services were called to Birkenhead Point Marina just before 9am, following reports of an explosion on a vessel.

The boat was moored at the marina and was being refueled when it burst into flames.

The vessel was towed to the open at Rozelle where two fire and rescue boats extinguished the flames.

One man has been taken to hospital suffering burns to his legs, arm and shoulder.

NSW Ambulance Inspector Giles Buchanan tells Deborah Knight they were concerned he could suffocate due to a possible airway burn.

“We were met at the scene by the CareFlight medical helicopter and the medical team jumped on board with him to make sure his airway stayed open and he didn’t suffocate on the way to hospital.”

He says the patient is in a stable condition.

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Three others have been treated for smoke inhalation.

The boat has since sunk and crews are working to remove the debris from the water.