Hundreds of ferry passengers stranded on Humber 15 hours after fire

A ferry which lost power and became stranded on Tuesday night with nearly 300 passengers on board after a fire in the engine room has yet to return to port.
By Alexandra Wood
Published 21st Oct 2020, 15:23 BST
Updated 21st Oct 2020, 15:26 BST
P&O North Sea Ferries' vessel Pride of Hull on her berth on the River Humber Picture: Terry CarrottP&O North Sea Ferries' vessel Pride of Hull on her berth on the River Humber Picture: Terry Carrott
P&O North Sea Ferries' vessel Pride of Hull on her berth on the River Humber Picture: Terry Carrott

The Coastguard was informed of the incident on board the P&O Pride of Hull just before 9pm on Tuesday.

The ferry, which was travelling from Hull to Rotterdam, was anchored in the River Humber following the fire and all 264 passengers and crew are safe, the Coastguard said.

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A spokesman for P&O Ferries said: “Last night there was a fire which was safely extinguished by the ship’s crew in one of the engine rooms of the Pride of Hull.

"There were no injuries and at no point was any passenger in danger. As a precaution, the ship will return to the berth in Hull and the damage will be assessed today.”

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokeswoman said: "HM Coastguard received a call from Humber Vessel Traffic Service just before nine last night, reporting the Pride of Hull had lost power and smoke had been found in the engine room.

"The ferry is currently at anchor in the River Humber. She was outbound to Rotterdam with 264 passengers and crew on board when she lost power.

"All passengers and crew are safe and power remains on decks.

"Two tugs were originally sent along with the Humber RNLI lifeboat. One tug remains with the vessel."

Related topics:HumberHull