'Minimal disruption' to food supply after ship fire

Food supply to Jersey should be "minimally disrupted" following a cargo ship fire, according to the minister for sustainable economic development.

HM Coastguard was called on Monday after a fire broke out in the engine room of the Caesarea Trader off the coast of the Isle of Wight. Operator DFDS said all crew members, and the one passenger on board, were safe.

It said the Stena Vinga would operate additional freight-only sailing and back-up vessel, MV Arrow, was set to arrive in Portsmouth on Wednesday, adding: "We are working with freight customers to finalise a revised operating schedule."

Deputy Kirsten Morel said: "There should be a minimal impact on food supplies."

DFDS said the Caesarea Trader, previously named Commodore Goodwill, was "safely anchored" off the Isle of Wight.

The operator said it was working with port authorities to bring the ship into port at an "appropriate time".

The 126m (413ft) long ship has a cargo capacity of 1,250 cubic metres, the equivalent of about 80 trailers.

It was renamed Caesarea Trader in homage to Jersey's Latin name, Caesarea.

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