Cruise Ship Fire, Passengers Evacuated To Sister Ship — Updated
A luxury cruise ship operated by Compagnie du Ponant was evacuated after an engine room fire while sailing north of the Falkland Islands early Wednesday morning.
The 264-passenger vessel LE BOREAL was cruising from Grave Cove, Falklands to South Georgia when the alarm sounded shortly after 2:00 A.M. last night.
There were no reported injuries to passengers or crew from the fire, which has been extinguished, according to Ponant.
Ponant and UK TV reports state that LE BOREAL’s passengers were transferred to her sister ship L’AUSTRAL, which also was cruising in the region, and are being taken to the capital of the Falkland Islands Port Stanley from where they will be flown home.
The Falkland Island’s Government Emergency Services responded to the emergency, collaborating with local vessel agents and British Forces South Atlantic Islands Emergency Services, HMS Clyde, an offshore patrol vessel also changed course in order to assist in the evacuation.
An investigation into the fire has been launched. The remainder of the LE BOREAL’s cruise has been cancelled.
UPDATE:
The UK Ministry of Defence posted more detail of the rescue mission including the north-westerly gale placed the ship in real danger of grounding on Cape Dolphin, East Falkland.
It was reported that the Captain ordered the ship, with all 347 passengers and crew, to be abandoned. Working closely with the Falkland Islands Government, British Forces carried out a major search and rescue plan.
“Two Royal Air Force Sea King Search and Rescue helicopters were scrambled, along with two other support helicopters, a C130 Hercules and a Voyager aircraft for command and control. The Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS CLYDE was despatched to the scene, as were Dutch tugs which support British Forces in the Falkland Islands.”
“In an operation coordinated from Mount Pleasant, Royal Air Force Search and Rescue helicopters, supported by British International and Bristows helicopters, successfully winched 79 people from the deck of the LE BOREAL and from two life rafts in the water. All of these evacuees were brought to the British Forces Base at Mount Pleasant where they received care, clothing, food and medical attention. HMS CLYDE assisted two further lifeboats with over 200 evacuees on board, ensuring they were brought to safety.”
” The vessel itself is now in a stable condition and two Dutch Tugs, under contract to British Forces, are now assisting to bring the vessel alongside in the Falkland Islands for a detailed assessment of her condition.”
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “This successful rescue in the Falklands this morning demonstrates how our Armed Forces are always ready to help those in peril. The swift action taken by Royal Navy and Royal Air Force crews, working with civilian counterparts, saved many lives and prevented this developing into a human tragedy.”
Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands, Cdre Darren Bone, said: “We responded with everything we had yesterday to assist in what was an extremely complex and hazardous rescue operation in difficult conditions but I am delighted that we can report all of the passengers and crew of the vessel are safe and well and the vessel itself in a stable condition. This was a huge team effort involving close liaison with the Falkland Islands Government and I am enormously impressed with the reaction by all the British forces involved, it was an exemplary performance all round.”
Add a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
This had the potential to be a major disaster. A ship on fire in heavy seas in the extreme South Atlantic with the necessity of all passengers and crew having to abandon ship. And yet, no one else chooses to comment on this major breaking news.
Wow– very efficient and fast! But you have to be in situations like this. This is the difference between life and death, and I really commend everyone involved for their efforts. Refunds aside for their guests, I’m sure both ships will be back to work soon. Also, The Falklands are well-placed to assist in South Atlantic emergencies–thank God!
Shawn
Thank you for providing this story and the video – a story that nobody ever wants to experience while at sea.
Hello Shawn, as a South African and living along a treacherous coast and witnessing many dramas, this is shocking. I think, I, as probably many others, just held our breath and failed to comment. Many people comment about unsightly new ‘condo’ looking cruise ships etc, but falter at commenting on a real life drama as a result of pure shock. I have friends who work for this company. We know that fire is the biggest danger at sea (piracy alone) and in a remote area they were lucky to be rescued by the teams involved who should be praised and even luckier that have a sister ship was in close vicinity. The picture clearly depicts a vessel in distress. The Oceanos disaster was successfully averted by the South African Air Force. Recently (this year) maritime experts warned that we (SAAF) are no longer in a position to undertake such a rescue off our coast. So no, perhaps in this instance, this post did not garner responses. But I am sure, our hearts and thoughts were there. Thank you for the post and updates from a possible tragedy in a remote part of the ocean. Appreciated, Brett, Cape Town.
When I worked for Society Expeditions, I travelled these same waters on Society Explorer and I know how very dangerous it can be in the best of times.
These passengers were most fortunate to be near the Falklands with such expert help available to them. Had they been nearer Antarctica or South Georgia, it could have been much worse.
Shawn
Can not vouch for others, however, perhaps disasters are wearing a little thin as armor is raised and a numbness overtakes everyday tasks. Immunity may be the better word. Who knows. Quite a few ships have had engine room fires within the recent past, and luckily no deaths.
Except — SS NORWAY, just hours after 9/11 and the reports were vague at best, and there was loss of life. And, not to forget, PRINSENDAM, again, vague reports, tech media was almost non existent back then.
Being nonchalant is certainly human, a way for not having to deal with issues. This latest may not ring up there with what is happening today, but, to be so blase is commonplace.
I just now got the chance to read this. It is indeed a miracle.
Hi Kenneth: The fatal NORWAY boiler accident occurred in May 2003. – Martin
Hi Kenneth: Article written by Martin Cox. I located the video via UK sources.