The crew of
the Norwegian registered vessel reported that the fire had been
extinguished by expanding foam and that the area was being monitored
from an adjacent compartment. They reported that a broken fuel pipe
had caused the fire but that fortunately there had been no injuries.
Their position was given as 50 miles west of St Annes Head in
South Wales in sea area Lundy. The vessel was loaded with 50 new
cars and one new lorry and was carrying 360 tonnes of fuel oil and
45 tonnes gas/oil in her bunkers.
Andrew Hodgson, Milford Haven Watch Manager said, " The crew
reporting the incident to the Coastguard said that a further burst
of foam had been required in the engine room area as some
smouldering was still taking place. No one has yet re-entered the
space. The vessel is now drifting and has reported she is not under
command and is being accompanied by her sister vessel `Autosky’
about half a mile distant.
" A Wijsmuller tug `Anglegarth’ has been despatched from
Milford Haven, and is due on scene at around 3.00 a.m. this morning
in order to bring the vessel under tow into Milford. An emergency
generator is now providing power to the vessel. Despite the weather
on scene of westerly winds force 7 – gusting to gale 8, she is no
danger of coming close to the shoreline.
