Watch: RNLI And Coastguard Airlift Injured Seafarer After Cargo Ship Fire In English Channel

A crew from HM Coastguard carried out a medical evacuation after a fire broke out on board a cargo vessel in the English Channel, leaving one crew member injured.

The incident took place on April 8 when the cargo ship RDJ Waalstroom, a 90-metre vessel with a deadweight of 2,650 tonnes, issued a mayday call while sailing near the south coast of England, close to Portsmouth.

The ship, built in 2003 and registered in Antigua and Barbuda, was on its way to Balboa, Spain with six crew members on board.

The fire started in the engine room, prompting the crew to evacuate the space and activate the vessel’s fire suppression system.

The fire was brought under control, and all six crew members were accounted for. However, one person was injured and needed urgent medical attention.

HM Coastguard received the distress call at around 21:50. The RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat from Salcombe was launched shortly after at about 22:00 and remained at the scene to assist.

A Coastguard rescue helicopter was sent to the vessel, and a paramedic was lowered onto the deck to assess the injured crew member.

After checking his condition, it was decided to airlift him for further treatment. He was taken to hospital, where he was later transferred by road.

A Dutch warship also responded to the incident and stayed nearby to provide support. The cargo vessel, which had lost power, was reported to be drifting around 40 nautical miles south of Salcombe.

As the situation continued, the vessel drifted into French waters. At around 01:00 on April 9, responsibility for the operation was handed over to the French authorities.

A rescue tug later reached the ship, where the remaining five crew members stayed on board. The plan was to tow the vessel to a port in France.

Authorities confirmed that the vessel remained watertight throughout the incident and there were no reports of pollution.

The Salcombe lifeboat was stood down after the situation was brought under control and returned to station at around 03:30, where it was refuelled and made ready for its next call.

References: Salcombe RNLI, DevonLive