SEVEN AIRLIFTED TO HOSPITAL AFTER FIRE ON BOARD FERRY OFF YORKSHIRE

Six crew members and a passenger have been airlifted to hospital after a fire on board a ferry approximately 30 miles north east of Flamborough Head.

Humber Coastguard was first contacted just after 10pm this evening by the MS King Seaways, which had 946 passengers and 127 crew on board. They reported that they had a fire in one of the passenger accommodation blocks, but it had been brought under control and was now out.

The Bridlington and Filey RNLI lifeboats were sent to the scene, along with the search and rescue helicopters from RAF Leconfield and RAF Boulmer. Six crew members and one passenger were airlifted to Scarborough hospital suffering what's believed to be the effects of smoke inhalation.

Bev Allen, Watch Manager at Humber Coastguard, said:

"We have been in close contact with the MS King Seaways this evening and sent resources to assist in the evacuation of those passengers and crew that were showing signs of smoke inhalation.

"We are now in discussion with the ferry to decide the next best course of action."

Sunday 29th December
UPDATE: 00.45

Ferry is now returning to International Ferry Terminal at North Shields. ETA is between 4 - 5am.

UPDATE: 05.30

Ferry is now safely alongside in River Tyne.

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