411 People Evacuated from Ferry After Engine Room Fire in Ibiza
In a dramatic turn of events, a fire broke out aboard the ‘Tenacia,’ a ferry operating on the Valencia-Palma route, leading to the immediate evacuation of 350 passengers and 61 crew members near the coast of Ibiza. The quick and efficient response by rescue teams ensured the safety of everyone on board. Here’s a detailed account of the incident and the rescue operation.
The Incident
Fire Breaks Out in the Engine Room
In the early hours of the morning, around 2:18 AM, a fire erupted in the engine room of the ‘Tenacia’ ferry. The ship, part of the GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) fleet, was en route from Valencia to Palma. Passengers, who were supposed to arrive at their destination by 5 AM, found themselves in a perilous situation as smoke began spreading to the upper decks.
Immediate Response and Communication
The captain and crew swiftly initiated emergency protocols. The crew made announcements in multiple languages, informing passengers of the situation and the safety measures being taken. The primary concern was to manage the evacuation process calmly and orderly, ensuring no panic ensued among the passengers.
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The Rescue Operation
Evacuation Plan in Action
By 2 PM, the captain gave the order to abandon the ship. They mobilized two nearby vessels, the container ship ‘Arica’ and the ferry ‘Bridge,’ to assist with the evacuation. The ‘Salvamar Libertas,’ a rescue vessel, played a crucial role in transferring passengers from the ‘Tenacia’ to the assisting ships.
Ensuring Passenger Safety
They prioritized children and those in need of special assistance during the evacuation. Passengers donned life jackets and organized into groups to board the rescue boats. The operation proceeded smoothly, with passengers boarding the ‘Arica’ and ‘Bridge’ ferries without incident.
Additional Support Arrives
As the evacuation progressed, the ‘Xerea,’ a 31-meter long and 11-meter wide vessel, arrived to tow the ‘Tenacia’ to Valencia. This additional support ensured the ferry’s safe transportation once they fully controlled the fire and monitored the remaining hot spots.
The fire aboard the ‘Tenacia’ ferry near Ibiza was a harrowing experience for all involved. However, the crew, rescue teams, and nearby vessels promptly and coordinately evacuated all 350 passengers and 61 crew members safely. This incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols and effective emergency response strategies in maritime travel.
The successful handling of the Fire Ferry Ibiza incident is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of everyone involved in the rescue operation.
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