Lifeboats dispatched to fire on board ferry off the Kent coast as boat towed to Calais

The circle indicates the Isle of Innisfree anchored halfway between Dover and Calais Credit: Marine Traffic

Lifeboat crews were called out after a ferry caught fire off the Kent coast.

The ferry, which was set ablaze in the English Channel, has now been towed to Calais, the French coastguard said.

Crews from Dover, Dungeness and Ramsgate were called at around 5.30pm after a fire broke out in the engine room of the passenger ferry the Isle of Innisfree.

It was midway between Dover and Calais and had 94 passengers and 89 crew on board. There were no injuries.

A spokesperson for Irish Ferries said: "Irish Ferries crews train regularly to deal with incidents at sea, and the company has put its training into action and the fire has been extinguished.

"The ship was carrying 94 passengers and 89 crew, with all accounted for and safe and well. The ship is expected to be shortly underway, with the assistance of a tug, to Calais port.

Irish Ferries said it would launch a 'full investigation into the incident in conjunction with the relevant authorities' Credit: PA

"When the ship arrives in Calais, Irish Ferries will commence a full investigation into the incident in conjunction with the relevant authorities and will also assess what repairs will be necessary.

"In the meantime, the Isle of Innisfree’s imminent sailings have been cancelled, and affected customers are being contacted with alternative travel arrangements. 

"Irish Ferries would like to sincerely apologise to all passengers affected by this evening’s incident, and the disruption to their onward journeys."

Three lifeboats from Dover, Ramsgate and Dungeness were launched, as well as a French salvage tug.

Those booked on imminent Isle of Innisfree sailings are being transferred to alternative sailings, Irish Ferries says.

The firm has apologised to all of its passengers for the disruption to their journeys.

In a statement, it said: "Crews train regularly to deal with incidents at sea, and the company has put its training into action and the fire has been extinguished."

HM Coastguard said: "The vessel has confirmed that the fire has been extinguished but [it had experienced] technical issues."

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