News

Specially-trained marine firefighters have taken part in an exercise aimed at preparing for a fire onboard a passenger ferry.

The twenty firefighters in Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s Maritime Incident Response Group were airlifted onto the Norfolkline vessel en route from Dover to Dunkerque, by RAF helicopter from Manston on Monday (24 February).

The exercise was carried out with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency using marine equipment to help deal with a ‘fire’ in the vehicle compartment of the ship.

The ship, the Maersk Delft was full of passengers at the time, although they were made aware that it was only a drill.

Gavin Hayward, of KFRS’ training and development department, said: “We are required to test our maritime response to incidents at sea on a regular basis, working with our partner agencies the MCA and RAF.

“Norfolkline have very kindly hosted the exercise today which has allowed Kent firefighters to work alongside staff from Norfolkline, not only in firefighting, but with communications to the Coastguard and issues such as ship stability and tactical planning.

“This type of realistic scenario is vital to ensure the effectiveness of any future response to maritime incidents.”