Dutch Cargo Ship RDJ Waalstroom Issues Mayday in English Channel After Engine Room Fire

The Dutch-owned cargo ship RDJ Waalstroom (2,650 DWT) issued a mayday call on April 8 while transiting the English Channel near Portsmouth, reporting an engine room fire. One crew member was injured and required urgent medical attention.

The crew evacuated the engine space and activated fire suppression systems. The vessel was left drifting approximately 40 nautical miles south of Salcombe, Devon, following the incident.

HM Coastguard dispatched a helicopter to the scene and lowered a paramedic to the stricken vessel. The injured crew member was airlifted to hospital in Portsmouth. A tug subsequently reached RDJ Waalstroom and secured the disabled vessel. The remaining crew were reported safe. The vessel is now docked in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin in France.

The cause of the engine room fire has not been confirmed. The extent of damage to the vessel has not been publicly disclosed.

HM Coastguard is investigating. No pollution was reported.