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Praise for Packet staff, after fire on Ben

The Steam Packet Company says well-trained staff prevented a minor fire aboard one of its vessels from becoming a major problem.

A griddle on board the Ben-my-Chree caught light just after 3pm on Sunday, sparking a general emergency alarm.

Liverpool Coastguard was alerted and the vessel's speed reduced, but staff managed to tackle the blaze with fire extinguishers before it could spread.

Despite the blaze, the ferry managed to dock in Douglas on schedule, where it was checked over by Manx firefighters.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward says although the blaze was relatively small, all such incidents are treated seriously.

He says well-drilled procedures were immediately carried out by staff who were praised for their quick action by the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service.

Damage to the vessel was confined to the galley, and she left on time for her evening sailing to Heysham.

Mr Woodward is thanking passengers for their patience, and staff for their handling of the situation.

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