Steam Packet praise staff for fire response

Mon, 29 Aug 2011

The Steam Packet Company is praising the action of its staff after they dealt with an on board fire.

The emergency alarm was sounded shortly after 3.15 yesterday afternoon, whilst the Ben my Chree was on its way to Douglas from Heysham.

A griddle fire in the galley had led to a build up of smoke on the vessel.

Liverpool Coastguard was put on standby and the ship slowed to reduce the flow of air to the flames.

Crew members with firefighting training were able to control the blaze with fire extinguishers and fire blankets.

Fire crews inspected the Ben once it had arrived in Douglas, and confirmed the fire had been effectively put out.

Two workers needed hospital treatment after suffering the effects of smoke inhalation.