Ferry fire caused evacuation fear
31 July 2008 - 19:32
More than 200 passengers were put on standby to be evacuated from a ferry in Pembroke Dock after a blaze broke out in the boiler room.
Firefighters were called to the Irish Ferries boat, the Isle of Inishmore at 0230 BST on Wednesday as it was preparing to leave for Rosslare.
They contained the fire in a small area and foam used to put out the blaze.
The 227 passengers and 89 crew members are still on board the ferry, which is expected to sail at around 1430 BST.
Harry Webber, who is group manager for Mid and West Wales Fire Service, said the fire was now out and the ferry was fit for sailing.
"The passengers were mustered but not evacuated," he said.
"What that means is that they're prepared to move off the ship if necessary and placed securely in readiness for that. But there was never a need for evacuation. It was prepared for but not needed."
