A UK volunteer lifeboat crew responded early Tuesday after the ro-ro cargo vessel Finnwave reported an engine-room fire about 11 miles south-east of Eastbourne. The Eastbourne RNLI all-weather lifeboat Esme Anderson proceeded through moderate sea states and winds recorded at force five, reaching the vessel once the onboard crew had already extinguished the blaze.

Although the fire was brought under control, the 217.8 m ship was left without propulsion. RNLI personnel verified that no crew required evacuation and remained close by as the vessel’s team prepared to set the anchor. The lifeboat remained alongside for more than an hour in challenging conditions until the anchor was deployed and holding.

Solent Coastguard later confirmed the vessel was secure, allowing the lifeboat to return to station. The coastguard continued communications with the ship while repairs progressed. Operated by Finnlines, the ice-class 1A Finnwave—built in 2012 and refitted in 2018—has a gross tonnage of 33,816, a lane length of 4,192 m and capacity for 111 reefer units.