Felicity Ace, the 6,400 CEU car carrier operated by Japanese shipping major MOL, caught fire while crossing the Atlantic Ocean near Faial Island in the Azores.
As reported by the Portuguese Navy, the ship sounded the alarm on 16 February after a fire broke out in one of the cargo decks. The navy sent rescue teams involving its patrol ship NRP Setúbal and four cargo ships that sailed in that area.
Portuguese Air Force has also participated in the mission.
Resgatados em segurança os tripulantes de navio mercante incendiado nos Açores – https://t.co/cooq70iUC8 #marinhaportuguesa #forcaaerea #searchandrescue pic.twitter.com/9QIRm7TyjK
Currently, there is no outbreak of pollution and the logistics support is working on the towing plan, according to the official statement. The navy also confirmed that all crew members (22 of them) were evacuated and there were no major injuries. The cause of the accident is to be investigated.
Cargo ship Felicity Ace departed from the port in Emden, Germany on 10 February. It was expected to arrive at Davisville, Rhode Island on 23 February.
The 200-meter long vessel was built in 2005 by Japanese shipbuilding company Shin Kurushima Dockyard Co. According to the data provided by VesselsValue, the ship has a carrying capacity of 17,700 tonnes and is currently sailing under the Panama flag.