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Passengers rescued by helicopter from North Sea ferry after fire breaks out Passengers rescued by helicopter from North Sea ferry after fire breaks out
(about 1 hour later)
Eight people were airlifted to safety on Saturday night after suffering smoke inhalation when fire broke out aboard a ferry in the North Sea carrying more than 946 passengers and 130 crew. Seven people were airlifted to safety on Saturday night after suffering smoke inhalation when fire broke out aboard a ferry in the North Sea carrying more than 946 passengers and 130 crew.
A second helicopter, from RAF Boulmer, Northumberland, was tracking the vessel should more people need to be rescued. Squadron Leader Dave Webster said: "It will stay just in case anyone else needs to be evacuated." The six crew members and one passenger were airlifted by a crew from RAF Leconfield to Scarborough hospital. They were not believed to be seriously injured.
The fire broke out in an accommodation area of the MS King Seaways ferry operated by DFDS between North Shields and IJmuiden in the Netherlands. The ferry turned back to its departure port, where the damage would be assessed, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.
Those rescued by a crew from RAF Leconfield near Hull were taken to Scarborough hospital. A second helicopter, from RAF Boulmer, Northumberland, was stood down after tracking the vessel in case more people need to be rescued.
"Thankfully the weather in the area is good. We haven't got any problems out in the North Sea with weather tonight," said Sqn Ldr Webster. "All helicopters and life boats involved have been stood down, however Humber coastguard is in constant contact with the ferry and an RAF helicopter is on stand-by should it need further assistance," Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokeswoman Jo Rawlings said.
The fire broke out in an accommodation area of the MS King Seaways ferry, operated by DFDS between North Shields and IJmuiden in the Netherlands.
"Thankfully the weather in the area is good. We haven't got any problems out in the North Sea with weather tonight," said helicopter Sqadron Leader Dave Webster.
"Winching from any large vessel is always demanding … But we train for this every day, so thankfully it's almost second nature to the crews to be out doing this kind of activity."Winching from any large vessel is always demanding … But we train for this every day, so thankfully it's almost second nature to the crews to be out doing this kind of activity.
"The fire seems to be quite well under control," he added."The fire seems to be quite well under control," he added.
The rescue operation was being co-ordinated by the Humber coastguard and the RNLI said two lifeboats, from Bridlington and Filey, had been launched to assist in any further rescue operation. The initial call for help came at 10.40pm last night as the vessel was 30 miles east of Flamborough Head. The rescue operation was being co-ordinated by the Humber coastguard and the RNLI said two lifeboats, from Bridlington and Filey, had been launched to assist. The initial call for help came at 10.40pm on Saturday night as the vessel was 30 miles east of Flamborough Head.
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