Fire Aboard Bulk Carrier PHILLIP BAY Extinguished Without Casualties Near Cherbourg
On 26th December, a maritime incident occurred involving fire aboard the bulk carrier PHILLIP BAY in international waters approximately 40 km north of Cherbourg, France. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
At around 2:10 PM local time, the Regional Operational Centre for Surveillance and Rescue (CROSS) in Jobourg, France, received a distress message from the bulk carrier PHILLIP BAY. The crew reported that the fire broke out in the living quarters.
The CROSS promptly responded to the distress message and launched an air-sea response resource. An immediate assessment and response team consisting of two firefighters and a nautical expert were transported aboard the PHILLIP BAY via an H160 French Navy helicopter stationed in Maupertus. The team assessed the situation and initiated an investigation into the details of the emergency.
To further assist, the emergency tug Abeille Liberte, SNSM lifeboat Mona Rigolet II, and British Patrol boat Seeker were deployed. At around 4:30 PM local time, the fire was successfully extinguished.
The bulk carrier was sailing with 21 crewmembers and was carrying food cargo. According to initial reports, there were no casualties, and the damage caused by the fire did not affect the safety of other ships or the surrounding environment.
