Cargo Ship Towed To Portsmouth Port After Engine Room Fire

An engine room fire on a cargo ship off the Isle of Wight was brought under control, thanks to the quick action by authorities.

The ship was towed into Portsmouth Port, where firefighting teams took over.

According to HM Coastguard, the cause of the fire will be investigated, and the ship called Caesarea Trader will undergo a thorough inspection.

The fire broke out at 15:45 GMT on Monday when the vessel was east of Shanklin. The situation was reported to be stable at around 22:00, and all 24 people on the ship were safe.

The vessel owned by DFDS operates between the Channel Islands and Portsmouth.

A search and rescue helicopter of the Coast Guard took thermal imaging of the ship after the fire broke out.

Bembridge RNLI lifeboat and tugs were also sent from Portsmouth to assist the ship.

Earlier called Commodore Goodwillm, the ship was reflagged under the UK flag in 2025
and has a cargo capacity of 1,250 m3.

The ship’s operator said that it was taking steps to maintain “continuity of freight links to Jersey”.

Per the Island’s Minister of Economic Development, food supplies to Jersey will not be disrupted as a result of this incident.

The ferry had served the Channel Islands for nearly three decades before it was bought by the Danish-based company in 2025.

It was then renamed Caesarea Trader, which is Jersey’s Latin name.

Source: Maritime Shipping News