Crew rescued after fire on 944 ton fishing trawler
Vessel loses power off the Isle of Wight

 

Around 3.30 a.m. this morning, Solent Coastguard were alerted by digital select calling (DSC) to a major fire in the engine room on board the 1985 built, 944 ton Russian fishing trawler, the `Marginella, about 16 miles south of the Isle of Wight.

Two French warships `Lynx and Gepard `also picked up the alert and began to proceed to their location whilst Solent Coastguard made every attempt to contact the 23 crew on board the vessel with initially no result.

After several attempts contact was established with the vessel and also nearby vessels, including the `Commodore Clipper who had Russian speakers on board who assisted with communications problems. It became clear that the trawler crew had managed to put the fire out and that there were no injuries but that the vessel had lost propulsion and urgently required the assistance of a tug.

It appeared that the fire had broken out in the exhaust stack and that the vessel had just enough electricity for its navigation lights only.

The Coastguard then began a search for a tug locally and also discussed the matter with their French counterparts who offered the French Coastguard tug `Abeille Liberte, at that time, three hours steaming from Cherbourg. Hampshire Fire Service were also alerted in case the fire reignited for the services of the Marine Incident Response Group which was set up to fight offshore fires where life was threatened.

Mike Greiner, Solent Coastguard watch manager said

"The French Coastguard tug should be on scene by about 6.15 a.m. this morning and will take the vessel to a place of safety and repair. Fortunately weather conditions in the area are not particularly challenging the morning with a moderate sea, 30 knot winds (force 7) and visibility of 3 miles. This is has been a good example of cross border working with our French colleagues at the Coastguard Station at Jobourg. Although communications with the vessel has been difficult at times we have been grateful to other nearby vessels that have had Russian speakers on board. We also now have the services of a local translator should the need arise. "