Two Coastguard helicopters, a lifeboat and two other vessels are assisting the crew of a ship which is on fire off Cromer.
One Coastguard helicopter is taking six fire and rescue crew and their equipment out to the vessel. The seven crew of the vessel are currently still on board and trying to keep the fire under control.
An additional Coastguard rescue helicopter from Humberside is on scene along with the Cromer RNLI Lifeboat and two other vessels.
The UK Coastguard received a mayday message, broadcast at 5.20 this morning to report that the vessel, which is carrying wheat to Rotterdam, had a fire in its accommodation.
A mayday relay message was immediately broadcast and several vessels responded offering their assistance. Two of these are now on scene with the vessel.
The UK Coastguard also scrambled the Coastguard rescue helicopter and requested the launch of the RNLI Lifeboat, both are now on scene. An additional Coastguard helicopter is transporting the fire and rescue crew.
Ian Guy, for the UK Coastguard says:
‘The crew are still on board the vessel and keeping the fire under control. However, we have a rescue helicopter hovering above as well as a lifeboat on scene so that, should the need arise, they can evacuate the ship. The Humberside Fire and Rescue fire fighting crew will be on scene soon and will assess the fire at that point.”
Source & Image Credit : UK MCA
