Four people fled from a luxury yacht ablaze at sea as terrifying flames erupted off the coast of Colombia, prompting a rescue by coastguard ships.

The fire rapidly engulfed the cruiser in Ensenada de las Mantas, near Cartagena, on September 17.

Colombian Navy video footage shows the craft, named 'Eternity,' as flames pour from the cabin amid thick plumes of black smoke.

A squad from the Navy's Rapid Reaction Unit saved four passengers stranded on the burning vessel before tackling the blaze.

Video clips show the unit lifting its powerful outboard motors partially out of the sea to spray water over the boat, quenching the flames.

The cause of the fire remains unclear, but Navy officials have submitted all footage to the coastguard, who are currently investigating.