Probe into Laird’s fire

Aug 1 2012 by Alan Weston, Birkenhead News

AN investigation is underway into a fire on board a a naval vessel undergoing a major refit at Cammell Laird shipyard.

Ten fire engines from across Merseyside were sent after the blaze broke out in a compartment next to the engine room of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship Diligence.

Fire investigators are now working with onsite Cammell Laird staff to establish the cause of Saturday’s fire.

Fire Area Manager Myles Platt, the officer in charge at the incident, said: “Upon arrival firefighters were faced with large volumes of smoke issuing from the engine room.

“It was unclear whether there were people involved and firefighters reacted very quickly and located the fire in difficult conditions. There were no injuries or casualties.

“The speed and professionalism of the fire and rescue service prevented the blaze escalating into something more serious and the fire was rapidly brought under control.

“Due to the actions on arrival this prevented further damage beyond the engine room of the ship.”

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) supplies fuel, munitions, food and other vital ship’s stores to the Royal Naval fleet while on operations.

The work being carried out at Cammell Laird is part of a five-year support contract for 11 of the RFA’s 16 vessels.

Diligence has seen service all over the world including the Falkland Islands, the Gulf and West Africa.

The Cammell Laird website said the vessel was undergoing a “major service life extension programme”.

This includes replacing all main engines, the complete refurbishment of accommodation and public spaces, replacement of all main deck cranes, extensive mechanical overhauls and installation of upgraded operational equipment.