The MSC Flaminia is ablaze in the north Atlantic!
The incident occured some 1,000 miles between the UK and canada
The German registered container vessel, built in 2001 has been abandoned by her crew following a fire which has engulfed most of the ship. The fire is said to have started in No4 container hold.
24 of the ships company abandoned ship, with 4 sustaining injuries and 1 crewman missing.
The DS crown was the closest vessel to the MSC Flaminia, and has made best speed to the scene, rescuing all 24 survivors from the life rafts. 6 other merchant vessels have also honoured the call, but they are more than 6 hours away at this present moment in time. The MSC Stella also made best speed to the scene, taking the 4 injured personnel aboard. She then made haste to the azores, where a helicopter airlifted the injuried. 1 is in a "critical condition" and 1 has died from injuries sustained whilst fighting the fire.
There has been no word on salvage tugs/fire fighting vessels as of yet, however, there are rumours that several offshore salvage vessels are proceeding to the MSC Flaminia, to asses the damage and attempt salvage operations.
Will post more when I have it.