Car carrier engine room blaze in English Channel now safely out

A fire broke out in the engine room of the Bahamas-flagged car carrier RCC Passion on Sunday, December 1, according to the French authorities, while the ship was underway off the French coast. With 2,195 vehicles on board it was headed from Le Havre toward the Fort-de-France, Martinique, according to World Maritime News.

The 19 crew members on board are reported to be safe and unharmed, and the vessels is now proceeding towards Brest, seemingly under her own power, escorted by Abeille Bourbon (emergency rescue tug) and does not present any danger to shipping or the environment.

RCC Passion was some 40 nautical miles off the French island Ushant, situated at the southwest end of the English Channel when the fire broke out. 12 firefighters were dispatched as well as a navy helicopter.

RCC Passion previously visited Southampton earlier this year.