Fire on Board Ferry in English Channel Sparks Lifeboat Launch
Three lifeboats raced to the scene after a fire broke out on the Isle of Innisfree ferry in the middle of the English Channel. The vessel, carrying 183 people, was en route from Dover to Calais when the blaze erupted.
Blaze Contained, Everyone Safe
The fire, which originated in the engine room, has now been extinguished. The Coastguard confirmed all 94 passengers and 89 crew members are safe and accounted for, with no injuries reported.
RNLI lifeboats from Dover, Ramsgate, and Dungeness, along with a French salvage tug, were swiftly dispatched to support the Irish Ferries ship. The ferry is currently anchored, with the Coastguard standing by in case further assistance is needed.
Passenger Travel Disrupted but Managed
“Crews are regularly trained to deal with incidents at sea, and the company has put its training to use, extinguishing the fire,” said Irish Ferries.
“Passengers scheduled to travel on the 19.25 Calais-Dover sailing will be transferred to alternative departures. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by the disruption to their journeys.”
HM Coastguard added: “The ship has confirmed that the fire has been put out, but it is experiencing technical difficulties. All passengers and crew have been accounted for, and no injuries have been reported.”
