Watch: ConRo Ship On Fire in Bay of Biscay, 27 Crew Members Rescued
Fire was reported on Ro-ro cargo ship GRANDE AMERICA at around 1900 UTC Mar 10 in Biscay Bay some 140 nm southwest of Penmarch, Finistere, France, while en route from Germany to Morocco.
The ship stopped and started to drift. At around 0100 UTC Mar 11, the ship’s Master informed MRCC on his decision to abandon the ship as the fire in containers, initially under control, started to spread. All 27 people on board, 26 crew and 1 passenger, went into a lifeboat.
The crew of HMS Argyll spent eight hours saving every soul aboard the Grande America in the Bay of Biscay after the ship’s cargo of containers and cars caught fire.
The frigate – on her way home to Plymouth after nine months away in the Asia-Pacific region – responded to a mayday during the night from the 28,000-tonne merchant ship about 150 miles southwest of Brest: the crew were fighting a losing battle against the flames and were abandoning ship.
All 27 crew members crammed aboard the lifeboat which smashed into the heavy seas as it launched, damaging the craft which was unable to make headway.
Despite very difficult sea conditions, Argyll succeeded in launching her sea boat which nudged the lifeboat against the frigate’s side so the Grande America’s crew could be brought aboard.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “HMS Argyll’s swift and selfless response to very dangerous situation in difficult conditions undoubtedly saved 27 lives. I commend her crew.
“This recue demonstrates that even on the final leg of a challenging nine month deployment to the Far East, the Royal Navy’s sailors remain vigilant and professional at all times.”
In the heavy seas, the orange lifeboat – “just like the one in Captain Phillips,” was “bobbing around like a cork in a bathtub,” said Lieutenant Commander Dave Tetchner, HMS Argyll’s Weapon Engineer Officer.
“The conditions were horrendous – the vessels were rolling at 30 degrees which made it extremely hairy getting the sailors safely on board.
“Royal Marines were on the ropes hauling people up, the sea boat was pushing the lifeboat against Argyll.”
The 27 sailors rescued are being taken to the French port of Brest. Lt Cdr Tetchner said none suffered life-threatening injuries but some would require hospital treatment and all were stunned by their ordeal.
“It was pretty awful for them – they’d had to fight a fire in dreadful seas. Every one of them suffered smoke inhalation.
“Then they faced the prospect of abandoning ship and then their lifeboat failed. It was pretty awful all round and they were shocked.
“You see container ships like this every day when you’re sailing around the world. What you do not see is one in flames – it was a dreadful sight.”
MV Grande America was still aflame when Argyll left the merchant ship around 5am; the Italian-registered vessel had been bound for Casablanca from Hamburg when the fire broke out at 8pm yesterday.
Lt Cdr Tetchner said the manner in which the 200 sailors and Royal Marines aboard HMS Argyll – due home on Friday – responded to the incident had been exemplary.
“You couldn’t single any one individual out – the way the whole ship responded was magnificent and demonstrated how good our training is and how every person on board reacted.
“The sea boat crew and the seamanship specialists, the Royal Marines getting stuck in, the bridge team handling the ship, the communicators co-ordinating things, the doctor, medics and stewards treating people and the chefs cooking up beans on toast in the middle of the night.
“These are the things people join the Navy for – a real life, really worthwhile job, especially when the result is a good one like this”
The Commanding Officer of HMS Argyll, Commander Toby Shaughnessy said “I am incredibly proud of my Ship’s Company and the way they performed in this rescue effort in the most challenging of conditions.
“Without doubt this was a near run thing. The conditions were on the limit for recovery and this could just as easily been a different result.
“It was an exceptional team effort and there’s a great feeling on board after a successful result – everyone was saved.”
Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
About Author
Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
About Author
Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction
- U.S Navy Fired $1 billion In Missiles To Counter Iran & Houthis In Middle East, Says Navy Secretary
- U.S Navy Warships Fire SM-3 Missiles For the First Time To Shoot Down Iranian Missiles
- Greece Becomes 1st European Nation To Ban Bottom Trawling In Marine Parks & Protected Areas
- Panama Canal Authority Increases Ship Booking Slots & Maximum Allowable Draft As Water Levels Improve
- World’s Largest Car Carriers Set to Be Powered By MAN ES Propulsion Package
- Howden Offers War Risk Cargo Insurance Covering Red Sea Ships Against Drone & Missile Attacks
Latest Shipping News Articles You Would Like:
Subscribe To Our Newsletters
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.
Web Stories
