Ferry docks after fire

The Seacat vessel returns to dock in Belfast

The Belfast to Heysham Seacat service has returned to Belfast after a fire on board forced it to turn back.

The fire broke out in the engine room soon after the ferry left Belfast on Wednesday.

The company said it was investigating the cause and was making alternative arrangements for the passengers who were on board.

The fire broke out on board the Rapide Seacat ferry en route between Belfast and Heysham.

As soon as the Rapide docks a full investigation will be instigated to find the cause of the fire

Seacat

Seacat said a fire was reported in the port engine room of the Rapide at 0800 BST and was "promptly extinguished".

According to a company statement, there were 244 passengers and 20 crew on the vessel, which turned around and headed back to Belfast.

"There are no injuries to any of the passengers or crew.

"All passengers will be offered alternative travel arrangements.

"As soon as the Rapide docks a full investigation will be instigated to find the cause of the fire," said the company.

The Coastguard said it was not asked to take any action.

Investigation

But many passengers were unhappy with the way they said the incident had been handled.

"They didn't actually give us any information for about an hour and a half," said one passenger.

"We were sitting there knowing nothing - all we saw was smoke coming out of the back."

Another traveller added: "It was very panicky because you didn't know what was going on.

Brian McKibbin: "A full investigation is now under way"

"There were a lot of staff running to and fro and you didn't know where you were."

Brian McKibbin, a spokesman for Seacat, said a full investigation was now under way into what had happened.

"We aren't sure why it happened and what we will do now is initiate an immediate investigation," he said.

"We had fire crews here to ensure the safety of our passengers is paramount and that they were never in any danger.

"We now have to go on board and see what has happened."

The Marine Accident Investigation Bureau has also been told about the incident.

Seacat said they were cancelling the service until next Monday.