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Fire on Ben My Chree - Update

Sat, 16 May 2015

Updated Information:

The Steam Packet have released further information following a fire on their flagship vessel this morning.

A release from the Company reads:

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company can confirm that during the 08.45 crossing from Douglas to Heysham a suspected chimney stack lagging fire was detected.
 
Steam Packet Company engineers have contained the situation and have completed initial investigations. The engineers have allowed the vessel to continue with her journey to Heysham.
 
No passengers or crew have been injured, and there is no significant damage to the vessel.

The Captain ensured that passengers on board were kept informed throughout the incident.

The expected arrival time is 13.00 and it is anticipated that Ben-my-Chree will return as scheduled.

All relevant authorities have been informed. Further updates will be provided if necessary.

Meanwhile an Energy FM listener who was onboard the vessel at the time, has praised the Crew for the way they handled the incident.

He described what happened in a Facebook message to the Radio Station:

We had an announcement shortly before 10am for staff to report to incident stations. Then further announcements advising us not to panic while they investigate. Then about 5-10 mins later we were requested to muster in the passenger lounge. Since then we have been requested to stay in the lounge areas and awaiting further announcements. The boat was brought to a standstill and turned to bring us out of the prevailing wind whilst they dealt with a small fire on the lagging of one of the funnels. They managed to extinguish the fire fairly quickly but are monitoring the surrounding structures around the funnel to ensure there are no further incidents. All passengers have been asked to remain in the passenger lounge areas for the duration of the journey. The steam packet staff have dealt with the incident in a calm and efficient manner and have kept passengers updated throughout. They have also provided free drinks and snacks to all passengers.

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