Fire Aboard Bulk Carrier Extinguished Without Injury

On December 26, a fire broke out on the bulk carrier Phillip Bay while it was sailing in international waters about 40 kilometers north of Cherbourg, France. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

The Regional Operational Centre for Surveillance and Rescue (CROSS) in Jobourg received a distress call from the vessel at approximately 2:10 PM local time. The fire had ignited in the ship’s living quarters, prompting an immediate response.

CROSS dispatched an air-sea rescue team, including two firefighters and a nautical expert, who were airlifted to the vessel via an H160 helicopter from the French Navy base in Maupertus. Upon arrival, the team assessed the situation and began investigating the cause of the fire.

To support the operation, several additional resources were deployed, including the emergency tug Abeille Liberté, the SNSM lifeboat Mona Rigolet II, and the British patrol vessel Seeker. By 4:30 PM, the fire was successfully brought under control.

The Phillip Bay, which was carrying food cargo and staffed by 21 crew members, suffered no casualties, and the fire caused minimal damage. There were no reported risks to nearby vessels or the surrounding environment.