Clipper limps to port as five-hour fire smoulders

Wednesday 16th June 2010, 2:30PM BST.

WITH two tugs alongside, Commodore Clipper this morning was listing and limping towards Portsmouth after a fire on the lorry deck.

One trailer was still smouldering more than five hours after the fire was discovered at just after 3am.

The captain had declared an emergency after fire broke out on the lower vehicle deck and passengers were called to muster points at 3.10am.

At about 4.02 the captain said they were satisfied that the fire was under control and passengers could return to their cabins.

A spokesman said the fire was detected at 3.am on the lower vehicle deck of the freight and passenger ferry.

Condor said all 62 passengers and 39 crew on board were mustered and accounted for.

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