Fire Breaks Out on US Car Carrier ‘Honor’ in English Channel
The UK Coastguard is battling a blaze aboard the US car carrier Honor in the English Channel. At around 3:45am this Friday (24 February 2017), they were alerted to a fire while the ship was en route from Southampton to Baltimore.
Firefighting Efforts Underway
The vessel’s fixed firefighting systems kicked in immediately, targeting the flames. The cargo hold has been sealed off, with the crew keeping a close eye on the situation. Thankfully, all 21 crew members remain safe and accounted for.
Ship Turning Back to Safety
The Honor still has full control and has turned back towards Southampton. Plans are in place for it to anchor southeast of the Isle of Wight as UK Coastguard continues to monitor the situation.
Expert Teams Deployed to Assess Damage
- A Fire and Rescue Marine Response team is being airlifted onto the vessel by the UK Coastguard rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent.
- A Southampton Port pilot and MCA Marine Casualty Officer will join the ship to evaluate the fire damage and decide if the Honor can safely return to port.
Andy Jenkins, UK Coastguard Commander, said: “The 21 crew are still on board the vessel and they are safe and well. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as it develops.”
