British naval and air forces based in the Falkland Islands responded to a distress call by the 10,000 tonne cruise ship Le Boreal on November 18.
The ship reported suffering a major engine room fire, which caused the loss of all power and left the ship drifting. Strong winds placed the ship in real danger of grounding on Cape Dolphin, East Falkland.
The master ordered the ship, with 347 passengers and crew, to be abandoned early in the morning of November 18. Working closely with the Falkland Islands Government, British Forces enacted a major search and rescue plan.
Two Royal Air Force Sea King Search and Rescue helicopters were scrambled, along with two other support helicopters, a C130 Hercules and a Voyager aircraft for command and control. The Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Clyde was despatched to the scene, as were Dutch tugs which support British Forces in the Falkland Islands.
All passengers and crew from Le Boreal have been accounted for and are being looked after on the Falkland Islands. The vessel itself is now in a stable condition and two Dutch Tugs, under contract to British Forces, are now assisting to bring the vessel alongside in the Falkland Islands for a detailed assessment of her condition.
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Image: British Government