BBC News today. 6/7/07
Vessel's crew stranded after fire
A rescue operation has been launched after a vessel with 23 crew members suffered an engine fire.
The fire wiped out power on board the Russian trawler Marginella about 16 miles (26km) off the Isle of Wight.
The crew managed to put out the fire early on Friday but were stranded in the English Channel without propulsion and called for help.
Two French warships, Lynx and Gepard, picked up the alert and were sent out to watch over the 1985-built trawler.
Communication difficult
French Coastguard tug Abeille Liberte was due to tow the vessel and its 23 crew members, who are all safe and well, to Cherbourg, in France.
Mike Greiner, Solent Coastguard watch manager, said: "Fortunately weather conditions in the area are not particularly challenging this morning with a moderate sea, 30 knot winds (force 7) and visibility of three miles.
"Although communication with the vessel has been difficult at times, we have been grateful to other nearby vessels that have had Russian speakers on board.
"We also now have the services of a local translator, should the need arise."
The fire started in the exhaust stack, leaving the vessel with just enough electricity for its navigation lights.
Hampshire Fire Service's Marine Incident Response Group was put on standby in case the fire reignited.
Topic: Vessels crew stranded after fire. (Read 4718 times)