A fire has broken out on board a DFDS cargo vessel that was on its way from Jersey to Portsmouth this evening.
The incident on board the Caesarea Trader – previously the Condor-owned Commodore Goodwill – was first reported at around 4.15pm, when the ship was anchored off the Isle of Wight coast.
It is understood the DFDS vessel, which left St Helier earlier today, suddenly lost all power before a fire was discovered in the engine room.
Bembridge RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was launched to the scene, supported by tug vessels dispatched from Portsmouth.
A search and rescue helicopter was also sent to undertake thermal imaging.
In a statement issued this evening, a DFDS spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Caesarea Trader experienced a fire in the engine room earlier today.
“All crew members and the one passenger who was travelling with the vessel are safe.
“The vessel is currently anchored in a safe location off the Isle of Wight, and the fire is under control.
“DFDS are making necessary steps to maintain continuity of freight links to Jersey.”
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