Ferry passengers were issued with life jackets after a fire erupted in the boat's engine room as she approached Fishguard Port in west Wales.
The ferry was travelling from Rosslare in Ireland and heading for the Pembrokeshire port when the fire broke out on Saturday evening, February 11, while it was some two nautical miles off the coast. Coastguard rescue teams from Fishguard and Moylegrove, RNLI Lifeboats from St Davids, New Quay and Fishguard, a coastguard helicopter, Welsh Ambulance Service, an air ambulance, Dyfed-Powys Police and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were all sent to the scene.
Crew members managed to extinguish the fire but a second broke out before it arrived at port. The Stena Europe ferry was assisted by two tugs and safely docked at Fishguard where passengers safely disembarked. No injuries were reported. You can get more local news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Stephen Kearney was onboard the ferry and said: "There was an announcement to the crew, advising it was not a drill and they should take up positions. Smoke began to circulate and I could see smoke from the funnel. Life jackets were issued and crew members assisted passengers with life jackets. People were understandably nervous but very calm and we're looking out for each other. It was clearly a very serious situation and I was preparing to spend time in the lifeboats. Luckily the fire was extinguished and that was not necessary."
It's understood a second fire was extinguished after midnight but was not serious enough to render the ferry inoperable. Mr Kearney added: "The Stena staff were obviously very well drilled and took all appropriate action which included issuing water and supporting people who were frightened."
Stena Line said the fire was contained by crew members and that the massive emergency response was a "precaution". A spokesman said: "At approximately 22:00 last night the Stena Europe was on route to Fishguard from Rosslare, when the crew were alerted to a small fire on one of the ship’s engines.
"The crew immediately initiated the ship’s safety protocols to ensure safety of passengers and crew before quickly extinguishing the fire without further support or incident. A short delay incurred whilst the area was made secure before continuing on passage to Fishguard, arriving 30 minutes behind schedule.
"There were 88 passengers and 59 crew onboard. There were no injuries and all those onboard were disembarked safely. Damage to the vessel is minimal. It is now being removed from service while we undertake a thorough investigation as to the cause of the incident, which will be undertaken in partnership with the maritime regulatory authorities."
Stena Line thanked the local Welsh ambulance, fire and lifeboat services which deployed significant numbers of their resources as a precaution. The spokesman added: "We are sorry for any distress and inconvenience this has caused to our passengers. We have reached an agreement with Irish Ferries that all those booked to sail with us will be transferred to their Pembroke sailing. Or can be transferred to an alternative Stena Line sailing at a different port. Further updates on the vessel and sailings will be issued in due course."
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: “Just before 9.25pm yesterday evening (February 11), HM Coastguard received an alert from a ferry reporting a fire in the engine room, the ferry was approximately two nautical miles off Fishguard Harbour, West Wales.
“The ferry’s crew extinguished the fire and the vessel made its way back to Fishguard Harbour. Another fire was then reported and contained by the crew. When the ferry docked the fire service boarded the vessel and extinguished the fire. All passengers safely disembarked the vessel yesterday evening."
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