Truck fire on Spirit sparks emergency procedures

 

Passengers arrived safely in Devonport this morning after a truck fire on a vehicle deck overnight saw the vessel’s emergency procedures swing into action.

 

The truck caught fire on deck three around midnight last night – half way across Bass Strait.

 

All on board were advised to dress warmly, leave personal belongings in cabins, and to muster on deck seven in line with standard procedures.

 

The vessel speed slowed while the fire was being dealt with, returning to full speed around 1.30 am and arriving in Devonport on schedule.

 

Passengers have commended the quick work of the crew.

 

TT-Line CEO Bernard Dwyer said passenger and crew safety is of paramount importance to the company.

 

“The crew did an outstanding job under very difficult circumstances, extinguishing the fire and keeping passengers and fellow crew members safe,” Mr Dwyer said.

 

“The important thing to remember is that while this was an extremely serious incident, the master and crew performed admirably and according to safety protocols implemented during rigorous training,” he said.