Stena Britannica Fire – Refrigerator Lorry - Harwich

Our Ref: HSR2/7
Head Office Circular: NP/010/18
18th January 2018
To: The Secretary
ALL SHIPPING BRANCHES
REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague,

Stena Britannica Fire – Refrigerator Lorry - Harwich

It has been brought to my attention that a fire broke out on a refrigerator lorry at approximately 04:20 on the 17th January 2018 on the Stena Britannica.

All crew members are safely accounted for.

Whilst no crew members or passengers were physically harmed or hurt from the fire, several lorries and their contents were damaged and lost for any future use.
Passengers reported being able to smell the fire but could see no smoke or flames,  as the fire was on a lower deck of the ship fire crews extinguished by 07:00 and crews stayed on board to tackle hotspots. Vehicles involved in the fire were taken off the ship at 10:15 while firefighters continued to work at the scene.

National Shipping Officer Steve Todd has been in contact with the company and the MCA and is able to report back the following “Both Stena and the MCA have commented upon the brave and swift actions of our members, they acted in an exemplary manner in bringing the fire under control whilst still at sea and before full access could be gained by the Essex County firefighters. RMT and its members will continue to be alert and aware of fire arrangements on-board ships”
I repeat, all crew were safely accounted for.

Please make the contents of this circular available to all appropriate members.

Yours sincerely
 
Mick Cash
General Secretary