Fire breaks out in engine room of Bell Island ferry

A fire broke out Thursday afternoon in the engine room of the MV Flanders, which carries passengers from Portugal Cove-St. Philip goes to Bell Island several times a day. (Terry Roberts/CBC)

The MV Flanders ferry, one of two vessels that carry passengers and cars to and from Bell Island in Newfoundland’s Conception Bay, is out of service after a fire broke out is declared in the engine room early Thursday afternoon.

No injuries were reported, but CBC News has learned that the ferry’s crew of six to eight people was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Portugal Cove-St. Philip firefighters responded to the fire.

The extent of the damage, as well as how long the ferry will be docked, is unknown, as is the cause of the fire.

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