Grimaldi Vessel Disabled in English Channel After Two Deck Fires, Crew Safely Evacuated

February 20, 2025

A Grimaldi Group-operated con-ro vessel became disabled in the English Channel after experiencing two separate deck fires, prompting a rescue operation.

The incidents occurred on Tuesday aboard the 3,515-lane-metre Grande Brasile (built in 2000), about 15 miles (25 km) from the Kent coast in England. The ship had departed Antwerp, Belgium, that same day, bound for Le Havre, France.

By Wednesday morning, AIS tracking data showed that the Malta-flagged vessel was “not under command” and drifting at a speed of 1 knot. The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) responded swiftly to the emergency alongside lifeboats.

Grimaldi Deep Sea, the vessel’s operator, confirmed that the first fire ignited on a deck earlier on Tuesday. The crew immediately activated onboard fire-suppression measures, successfully containing the fire. Authorities were promptly informed, and two tugboats were dispatched to secure the ship.

However, later that day, a second fire was reported on another deck. As a precaution, all 28 crew members were evacuated via the ship’s lifeboat at 2000 hours local time. They were later picked up by a tug and transported safely to Ramsgate.

Grimaldi assured that no injuries were reported among the seafarers. The company stated that tugboats were actively working to cool the affected areas using fire hoses to prevent the situation from worsening.

Smit Salvage personnel were expected to arrive at the scene around midday to assess and board the vessel. Fortunately, there was no sign of fuel leakage, and the ship’s stability was not compromised.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A French firefighting vessel and a tugboat were also deployed to aid in containment efforts, while a Dutch fixed-wing aircraft conducted aerial monitoring.

The Grande Brasile is insured by the Britannia P&I Club in the UK and has maintained a clean port state control detention record for 17 years. Three safety inspections conducted last year found no deficiencies.

This incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and rapid response in maritime operations, ensuring crew safety in critical situations.