North sea ferry continues journey despite fire

A North Sea ferry is continuing its journey across the North Sea after a fire broke out injuring two crew members.

The men were airlifted to hospital after the blaze started on the Norsea, carrying 697 passengers, just 15 minutes after she set sail from King George Dock in Hull, a P&O North Sea Ferries spokesman said.

The crew members suffered "minor injuries" and were later discharged after treatment in Grimsby.

The spokesman said the fire in the vessel's funnel uptake area was extinguished by the ship's crew 30 minutes after being discovered, and she was able to continue her voyage to the Belgian port of Zeebrugge.

The remaining 119 crew on board were not injured.

The spokesman added: "At no time was the ship in any danger and the passengers were kept informed of the incident at all times."

The Norsea, a British-registered ferry, was expected to arrive at the Belgian port today.