An international rescue operation is underway after a cargo ship caught fire in waters off the Kent coast earlier this morning.
The Grande Brasile, a 25-year-old cargo vessel, was en route from Antwerp, Belgium, to Le Havre, France, when a fire broke out on one of its decks at approximately 9:35 am.
Multi-Nation Response
Emergency services from Britain, France, and Belgium have been deployed to the scene to tackle the blaze at sea.
- RNLI lifeboats from Dover and Ramsgate were scrambled just before 10 am to assist in the operation.
- A Dutch coastguard vessel has also arrived in the area.
- A French firefighting vessel has been dispatched to help contain the fire.
Fire Suppression Activated
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard confirmed that the fire was reported at 9:35 am, and that fire suppression measures have been activated on board the cargo ship.
“HM Coastguard is coordinating the response to a cargo vessel which reported a fire within one deck in waters east of Ramsgate,” they stated.
It remains unclear how many crew members are on board the ship or if any injuries have been reported.
Ongoing Situation
Rescue teams continue to monitor the situation as efforts to extinguish the fire and ensure the safety of those on board are ongoing.
More details are expected to emerge as the rescue operation unfolds.
