Swift steamer evacuated after fire on Windermere

A Windermere steamer has been evacuated after a suspected fire.

Smoke was detected in the engine room on the Swift steamer shortly before midday.

All customers were safely escorted from the vessel.

The steamer is now docked at Brockhole.

A statement from Windermere Lake Cruises said: "At 11:55 am today smoke was detected coming from the engine room of MV Swift as the vessel approached Brockhole Pier.

"The Master deployed the ship’s onboard fire suppression system and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service attended the vessel as a precautionary measure.

"There were 84 passengers on board, all of whom safely disembarked and then carried on their journey to Ambleside on another vessel.

"The cause of this incident is being fully investigated and MV Swift will therefore be out of service until further notice. Scheduled services will be covered by the remainder of the fleet."

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