The UK Maritime and Coast Guard Agency (MCA) have responded to a
vessel fire off the coast of Ramsgate. Dover Coastguard was informed that the vessel, Sea Riss, had 6 people on board with a fire in its engine room.
On board the general cargo vessel are 1770 metric tons of steel products. A passing vessel, Ned Lloyd Asia, offered to stand by the vessel whilst rescue teams were mustered.
Ramsgate Lifeboat was immediately dispatched to the vessel and Kent Fire
Brigade were requested to muster their ship borne fire fighting team of nine to
assist in any fire fighting capacity. A rescue helicopter was also scrambled
to begin airlifting the fire team on board the vessel. Margate Coastguard
team were also sent to Manston air field to begin preparing a landing site.
The
Coastguard Emergency Towing Vessel Anglian Monarch was sent to the
scene as it has fire fighting capacity. A Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship was also on hand to assist with recovery efforts.
In the meantime, the Master of the vessel released the CO2, a fire dampening
agent, into the engine room compartment and all crew were mustered on deck.