Intense Rescue Mission Underway as Cargo Ship Blazes Near Kent Coast
Fire Erupts on Cargo Ship Grande Brasile
A cargo ship caught fire off the Kent coast early this morning, sparking an international rescue operation. The 25-year-old vessel Grande Brasile was sailing from Antwerp, Belgium, to Le Havre, France, when flames broke out on one of its decks at around 9:35 am.
Multi-Nation Emergency Response
Emergency teams from Britain, France, and Belgium raced to the scene. Lifeboats from the RNLI in Dover and Ramsgate launched just before 10 am to assist.
- A Dutch coastguard vessel joined the operation.
- French firefighting ship dispatched to battle the blaze.
Fire Suppression Measures Activated
An HM Coastguard spokesperson confirmed the fire was reported at 9:35 am and that onboard fire suppression systems have been engaged.
“HM Coastguard is coordinating the response to a cargo vessel which reported a fire within one deck in waters east of Ramsgate,” the spokesperson said.
It’s currently unclear how many crew members are on board or if anyone has been injured.
Situation Develops As Rescue Continues
Rescue teams remain on high alert, working to douse the fire and secure the safety of everyone onboard. More updates are expected as the dramatic operation unfolds.