98 Rescued from Burning Ship

The fish-processing vessel, ATHENA, was on fire Wednesday in the Atlantic about 230 miles southwest of the British Isles. The British coast guard and royal navy launched a rescue operation, with assistance from nearby vessels to rescue the 111 crewmen onboard. The ships distance from land made it difficult for rescuers to get to the scene and fuel limitations didn’t allow for an airborne rescue. Five vessels responded to rescue the crew including the VEGA, a passing container ship. The 98 crewmen that abandoned ship in lifeboats are now onboard the VEGA, while 13 crewmembers remain onboard the fish processing ship to keep the fire under control. Thor Offshore Fisheries, the company who owns the ATHENA, has said the fire appeared to have started in a packing-material storage area. The ATHENA is due to arrive in Falmouth, England Thursday night, as is the VEGA. Currently the damaged fishing vessel is running at half power, sailing towards England with the VEGA accompanying it. Photos release by the French Navy