A fire onboard ferry Stena Europe broke out in the engine room during weekend while she was approaching Fishguard port, UK, on arrival from Rosslare Ireland. Passengers were safely disembarked and no injuries reported.
According to news media, the ferry sparked a massive emergency services response to the Fishguard port. Stena Europe was assisted by two tugs while the fire was successfully extinguished, after midnight on February 12, making the ferry inoperable.
The Irish Independent newspaper, described the fire as ‘serious’’ and reported that passengers were issued with lifejackets as the vessel approached Strumble Head.
Stena Line said all 88 passengers and 59 crew were unharmed and got off safely, and the ship has been taken out of service during an investigation.
The Stena Europe, constructed in 1981 and with a 24,828-tonnage remained in Fishguard Port and the company announced it will stay in drydock for scheduled maintenance by February 17th.
In particular, a statement on the Stena Line website reads that: “Due to operational reasons todays 13:00 hr sailing to Rosslare 12/2 has been cancelled. Please also note Stena Europe will be in drydock for scheduled maintenance from today Sunday 12th February. Sailings will resume with the 2345hrs sailing on Friday 17th February.”
The emergency services were initially alerted just before 21:25 GMT when the ferry was approximately two nautical miles off Fishguard Harbour. In particular, Coastguard rescue teams from Fishguard and Moylegrove, RNLI Lifeboats from St David’s, Newquay and Fishguard, a coastguard helicopter, Welsh Ambulance Service, an air ambulance, Dyfed-Powys Police and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were all called out.