A FIRE has broken out on a passenger ferry travelling to Hampshire from Jersey.
The blaze was detected on the Condor Ferries’ Commodore Clipper at around 3am this morning.
The vessel, carrying 62 passengers and 39 crew is now heading into Portsmouth.
A spokesperson for Condor Ferries said the fire was on the lower deck of the ferry and fire drenchers had been activated to contain the flames.
So far some of the vessels systems and a number of freight vehicles are thought to have been damaged in the fire which is still burning in parts of the ferry.
Crews on board the ferry are working with Solent Coastguard and Hampshire Fire and Rescue who are waiting to board the vessel when it arrives in Portsmouth later this morning.
Capt. Fran Collins, Operations Manager, Condor Ferries said “Some onboard systems may have been damaged by the fire including a part of one of the steering systems.
However, damage is limited and passenger areas are not affected by fire.
The ship is structurally sound and making steady progress towards the Continental Ferry Port in Portsmouth."
Condor Ferries say passengers who may be affected by delays to the Commodore Clipper service from Portsmouth to Guernsey and Jersey should contact their Central Reservations team on 01305 761551
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