Five Saved From Fishing Vessel Fire on Belfast Lough

Friday, October 23, 2009
 Posted 15:01 GMT

Five people were rescued from the waters just outside Belfast harbour this afternoon after a fishing vessel caught fire.

The vessel `Amity reported the fire on board the `Bellatrix after picking 5 people from water. The crew of the Amity then took them to Milewater Basin for medical attention. No further information is yet available as to their condition.

The fishing vessel Bellatrix continues to burn whilst drifting slowly eastwards around 500 yards offshore at the Belfast end of Belfast Lough. The RNLI Bangor Inshore Lifeboat is keeping the vessel under observation which is providing vital information for the Coastguard and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401