A fierce blaze ripped through the cargo ferry MV Caesarea Trader as it sailed to Portsmouth, forcing the entire crew to abandon ship off the Isle of Wight coast.
Engine Room Inferno Sparks Emergency Evacuation
The fire erupted around 3:45 pm on February 9 in the ferry’s engine room, sending the DFDS-operated vessel — once known as Commodore Goodwill — into crisis. The 24 crew members were ordered to abandon ship near Shanklin, sparking a tense rescue operation.
All Crew Accounted For: HM Coastguard Confirms
Thankfully, by 10 pm last night, HM Coastguard had confirmed that all crew were safe and accounted for. The dramatic incident marks a shocking turn for the veteran vessel, a familiar sight on the Portsmouth route.
