AN OCEAN-GOING FISHING AND PROCESSING SHIP caught fire earlier today in the Celtic Sea just southwest of the Isles of Scilly. The vessel catches the fish and processes them immediately in a plant that is an integral part of the ship. The Athena, which is registered in Faroe Islands, had 111 people on board when the fire broke out in a compartment used for storage of packing supplies.
French Navy photo
The captain immediately ordered all non-sailors to abandon ship and put out a distress call. The lifeboats were lowered and 98 workers were safely evacuated. The 13 remaing crew went to work containing the fire by isolating it in the compartment and trying to cool it down or extinguish it.
French Navy photo
Five ships responded to the mayday call and the nearest, a container ship, the Vega rescued all 98 people without incident. Although it was a difficult retrieval for the crew of the Vega because of the high hull that they had to hoist the victims up and over.
The ship’s owners, Faroe Islands-based shipping company Thor, said in a statement:
“Around 6am this morning a fire broke out on board Athena while she was sailing to her next fishing area. The fire appears to have started in packing material stored on the port side of the ship. The fire safety crew on board have remained on board to try to contain the situation. All but the 13 firefighting crew have abandoned the ship, and all are safe. The firefighting crew are safe and are in no immediate danger.”
The Vega was bound for Jamaica, but has diverted to Falmouth, England, with the rescued workers and is also serving as an escort to the Athena which is steaming along at about 8 knots per hour. They hope to reach Falmouth sometime Thursday evening.
The Athena was constructed in 1992 and rebuilt in China this year after another fire on board in 2007.
The Bridgewater Mercury has the STORY.
Company handout photo of Athena
Thanks for assistance from Fireball
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