FIRE SERVICE PERSONNEL & CREW EVACUATED FROM DAMAGED ‘ATHENA’

Specialist Fire Service personnel from Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service who were earlier taken out to the fish factory ship, the ‘Athena’, which was being held off Falmouth, have now been evacuated from the vessel.

In total 28 personnel were taken off earlier this evening by a mix of helicopter, Falmouth lifeboat, the ‘LK Mitchell’, a Falmouth pilot boat and local vessel ‘SMS Volonia’.

Remaining personnel which included an MCA marine casualty officer; a member of the harbour masters staff and ship crew have also come off the vessel as a result of the danger of fumes and chemicals being held on board. Porthousestock and Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent to meet those being evacuated.

Earlier the fire service personnel had been deployed on board and were boundary cooling in the processing area where the initial fire was located.

The Secretary of State’s Representative in Maritime Salvage and Intervention (SOSREP) Hugh Shaw, has now taken over control of the situation and is establishing a salvage control unit in Falmouth.

A contract has now been signed between the ship owners and a consortium consisting of tug operator JP Knights and Smit Salvage.

The abandoned vessel which is being held under tow by the Anglian Princess will now be moved out to deeper water beyond the harbour limits, whilst further plans are being made of the vessel by the salvage team which will require the approval of SOSREP. An Environment Group has also been set up and SOSREP has taken their advice on the various options available.


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