It’s understood the fire is out but the Coastguard tug, the Anglian Princess is standing by, along with three harbour tugs from Falmouth and the two RNLI lifeboats.

Specialist firefighters, the Marine Incident Response Group, have been flown out to the ferry to assist the crew in the handling of this incident. The fire was in the engine room and has been suppressed by the fire systems onboard.

John Shephard, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Falmouth, says the lifeboats will remain on the scene for some time:

‘The lifeboats from Falmouth and The Lizard will stand by until the 113 crew onboard are known to be safe. They are also there in case equipment needs to be transferred.
The all-weather lifeboats are ideally suited for this kind of incident and are designed to carry large numbers of casualties if needed.’

Notes to editors

• A statement from Irish Ferries who operate the Oscar Wilde is available on their website at www.irishferries.com
• The MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Branch) has been informed.
• Library pictures of the RNLI’s Falmouth and The Lizard all-weather lifeboats are attached. Please credit RNLI/Dave Nicoll.
• RNLI footage should be available once the lifeboats return to station. For further information contact either Tamsin or Gerry – see below.