Ferry fire forces evacuation: 350 stranded at sea rescued
They were supposed to sail from Valencia to Palma de Mallorca, but a fire broke out along the way! About 350 people were stranded on a ferry that was supposed to take them on a beautiful cruise to the Spanish island. Unfortunately, the fire that broke out in the engine room thwarted their plans, making evacuation necessary.
12:04 PM EDT, July 9, 2024
350 passengers on the ship from Valencia to Mallorca experienced a true horror. The car ferry took them on a cruise on Sunday evening (July 7). Unfortunately, shortly after midnight, the ship "Tenacia" stopped at sea due to a fire in the ferry's engine room. Sadly, the available fire-fighting measures on board did not extinguish the fire. Urgent help was needed.
Spain. Evacuation of ferry passengers
According to the German tabloid Bild, the ship's passengers spent a day on board. On Monday afternoon (July 8), the captain made a decision—the entire ship needed to be evacuated. Passengers were moved to smaller boats, which took them to two ships. They then headed back to Valencia.
Photos from the evacuation have appeared online. They show passengers descending a ladder in a particular "tube" to board smaller rescue units.
A photo of extinguishing the fire was also shared. It shows how a smaller unit approaches the ferry and directs a strong stream of water. After some time, the situation was brought under control. The damaged ferry was towed. Vehicles and luggage belonging to passengers remained on board.
They will sail again
Evacuated passengers were provided with a hotel room for one night. On Tuesday morning, they are set to sail again towards Palma de Mallorca and start their vacation with a delay. Fortunately, no one was injured due to the incident in the Mediterranean Sea. It is not yet known what caused the fire on the "Tenacia" ship. Investigations are ongoing.
