Windermere steamer fire sees 84 passengers evacuated
Credit Windermere Lake Cruise
Passengers riding a steamer in Cumbria, in England’s Lake District, had to be evacuated after a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room.
The MV Swift was approaching Brockhole Pier, Windermere, when a blaze was spotted at 11.55am GMT on Wednesday (3 January 2024).
Windermere Lake Cruises, the vessel’s operator, confirms all 84 passengers safely disembarked.
A spokesperson for the company says smoke was detected coming from the engine room as the vessel approached the pier.
“The master deployed the ship’s onboard fire suppression system, and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service attended the vessel as a precautionary measure,” the spokesperson says.
“There were 84 passengers on board, all of whom safely disembarked and then carried on their journey to Ambleside on another vessel.”
The firm adds that the cause of the fire is being investigated, and the vessel will be out of service until further notice. The rest of the fleet will cover scheduled services.
Main image courtesy of Windermere Lake Cruises.
