The MV Arrow will replace the fire-damaged Caesarea Trader
DFDS is operating an extra freight-only sailing of the Stena Vinga today (10 February) following a fire onboard the Caesarea Trader.
The cargo ship was enroute from Jersey to Portsmouth when a blaze broke out in the engine room on Monday afternoon.
A coastguard helicopter and RNLI lifeboat were sent to the scene, just off the coast of the Isle of Wight.
The crew and one passenger onboard are all safe.
The Ro-Ro ship – formerly owned by Condor Ferries and known as the Commodore Goodwill – is to be towed to port for the damage to assessed.
In a statement on Tuesday morning, DFDS confirmed its contingency plans for maintain essential freight supplies into Jersey:
“…Stena Vinga will operate an additional freight-only sailing today, departing Portsmouth at 10:30 this morning. Impacted freight customers will be contacted directly.
“Back-up vessel MV Arrow is sailing from Dunkerque today and is expected to arrive in Portsmouth at 06:00 tomorrow (Wednesday).
“We are working with freight customers to finalise a revised operating schedule.”
The Chief Minister said the government was being kept updated and praised the agencies that responded swiftly to assist the stricken vessel.