Fire Erupts on Wightlink Ferry Mid-Voyage – Emergency Teams Rush In
Chaos struck the Wight Sky ferry tonight as fire broke out shortly after its 7pm departure from Yarmouth. Emergency crews, including firefighters, Hampshire police, and the UK Coastguard, were scrambled immediately to tackle the blaze onboard the vessel, which was carrying 117 passengers, 10 crew, and 30 vehicles.
Engine Room Blaze Sparks Emergency Response
The fire reportedly started in the engine room while the ferry was mid-crossing to Yarmouth. The ship’s fire extinguishing system was quickly activated, and the ferry was safely escorted back to harbour by the RNLI Yarmouth All Weather Lifeboat. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
Five fire engines from Freshwater, Yarmouth, and Newport rushed to the scene alongside the Isle of Wight’s ambulance service. Coastguard teams from Ventnor and Neddles also deployed, working closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
Services Suspended – Investigation Underway
Wightlink has suspended all evening sailings from Yarmouth following the incident, affecting dozens of customers. A company spokesperson confirmed: “The Wightlink ferry Wight Sky has been taken out of service this evening due to a technical problem on board. The ship’s engine room fire extinguishing system was deployed. No-one was hurt, and all passengers and vehicles disembarked safely.”
The MCA has launched a formal investigation and will collaborate with fire services. Wightlink engineers will also conduct a full review of the incident.
Remembering Last Year’s Scare
This fire eerily comes almost exactly one year after a similar blaze ripped through the Wight Sky’s engine room, injuring an engineer. Islanders and travellers will be hoping for swift answers and reassurance as the ferry remains out of action tonight.
Passengers booked on the Lymington-Yarmouth route should brace for disruptions on Monday morning as services recover from this major incident.
