This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25539473
The article has changed 17 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 3 | Version 4 |
---|---|
North Sea passenger ferry hit by fire | North Sea passenger ferry hit by fire |
(35 minutes later) | |
Six crew members and a passenger have been flown to hospital after a fire broke out on board a ferry in the North Sea, off the East Yorkshire coast. | |
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the seven, who were winched off the MS King Seaways 30 miles north-east of Flamborough Head, had been suffering from smoke inhalation. | |
Some 946 passengers and 27 crew were on board when the fire - since put out - started at about 22:00 GMT. | |
The ferry is now returning to Tyneside. | The ferry is now returning to Tyneside. |
The MCA said the ferry was due to arrive back in port in North Shields between 04:00 GMT and 05:00 GMT. | |
Humber Coastguard is closely monitoring its journey and the ferry will be surveyed by the MCA for any lasting damage. | |
The MCA's Jo Rawlings told BBC News conditions for the rescue had been "fairly calm". | The MCA's Jo Rawlings told BBC News conditions for the rescue had been "fairly calm". |
The passenger and crew members had been airlifted to Scarborough and no-one was seriously injured, she said. | |
Cabin fire | Cabin fire |
Helicopters from RAF Leconfield and RAF Boulmer were sent to the scene. | Helicopters from RAF Leconfield and RAF Boulmer were sent to the scene. |
Sqn Ldr Dave Webster said that when the RAF had been called for assistance at 22:40 GMT, it was initially thought 23 people would need to be winched to safety but that figure was later downgraded. | |
RAF crew had lifted those affected off the ferry within an hour. | RAF crew had lifted those affected off the ferry within an hour. |
Two lifeboats sent from Bridlington and Filey to help with the rescue operation have since been stood down, the RNLI tweeted. | Two lifeboats sent from Bridlington and Filey to help with the rescue operation have since been stood down, the RNLI tweeted. |
Humberside Police said it was thought a passenger had set fire to a cabin. | Humberside Police said it was thought a passenger had set fire to a cabin. |
It is not clear at this stage if the fire was started deliberately or accidentally. | It is not clear at this stage if the fire was started deliberately or accidentally. |
Ferry operator DFDS Seaways runs a daily 17:00 GMT service from North Shields, arriving in Ijmuiden, the Netherlands, at 08:00 GMT (09:30 local time). | |
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
Read the terms and conditions | Read the terms and conditions |