Police and fire rescue services responded to reports of a possible fire on the Bell Island Ferry MV Flanders on Thursday afternoon.

Bell Island Ferry Legionnaire is sailing solo at this time.

The Department of Transportation released the following statement:

“On May 9, a fire took place in the engine room on the MV Flanders Ferry. There were no injuries. As a precaution, eight crew members were sent to the hospital for assessment due to smoke inhalation. Emergency services arrived on site shortly after the fire started and successfully extinguished the flames. The department is assessing the damage and cause of the fire. The vessel is out of service until further notice. 

“The MV Legionnaire remains operational and an updated schedule will be available on the NL511 app.”