'Loyal servant' DFDS ferry Caesarea Trader leaves Portsmouth port following engine room fire two weeks ago
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A cargo ferry has finally left Portsmouth after an engine room fire broke out and damaged the ship.
MV Caesarea Trader, operated by DFDS, sailed from Portsmouth International Port today (February 25). Travelling under her own power, she is heading towards the Fayard Shipyard in Mukebo, Denmark, for repairs and refit.
A blaze broke out inside the vessel’s engine room on February 9 while she was travelling to Portsmouth. The ship was forced to anchor off the coast of Shanklin, Isle of Wight. Tug boats were deployed to extinguish the fire, with the vessel eventually being towed to the port.
The coastguard search and rescue helicopter was sent to undertake thermal imaging of the vessel, along with Bembridge RNLI lifeboat and the Portsmouth tugs. The lifeboat crew was stood down at 8.20pm after remaining on scene as a precaution.
DFDS have been approached for further comment about the state of the vessel. The News understands that she was due to be dry docked for a scheduled annual maintenance period the week the fire took place.
MV Caesarea Trader - previously named Commodore Goodwill - was reflagged under the UK flag last year and transports freight between the Channel Islands and Portsmouth. She began her career at Condor Ferries in 1996, and was described as a “loyal servant” to the Channel Islands. It has also been used to ferry passengers there.