Four people treated after fire on moored ship at Portland Port

Emergency services from across Dorset, including fire crews from Bridport, Dorchester, Portland and Weymouth, were called at 7.18am yesterday following reports of a fire on the Royal Fleet Auxilliary (RFA) Fort Victoria moored at the port.

They found the fire had already been extinguished by the crew on board, but firefighters ensured the scene was safe.

Four personnel were treated for smoke inhalation by ambulance crews and were taken to hospital. They were not seriously injured.

The ship is at Portland before heading off to support major military exercise 'Strike Warrior' involving the UK and other countries.

Fire on RFA Fort Victoria, Picture: Finnbarr Webster

The major response to the fire was witnessed by many residents who reported numerous emergency services vehicles rushing over to Portland.

The ambulance service sent multiple crews including three hazardous area response units which were spotted travelling on the Portland Beach Road.

A spokesman for South Western Ambulance Service said: “We were called about a fire-related incident on a ship at Portland Port.

"We sent numerous resources to attend the incident, including hazardous area response teams and land ambulance crews. A number of patients have been treated at the scene and conveyed to hospital for further care.”

Fire on RFA Fort Victoria, Picture: Finnbarr Webster

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed multiple fire units were called.

A spokesman said: "Crews attended from Portland, two crews from Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport, together with the aerial ladder platform from Weymouth and a support unit from Dorchester.

"Four people were treated for smoke inhalation. There are no reports of any serious injuries."

A spokeswoman for Dorset Police said: "We were called by the fire service to a report of a fire on a ship at Portland Port.

"Officers were at the scene assisting the fire service. Four people were treated for smoke inhalation."

Emergency services at Portland Port respond to fire on moored ship. Picture: Dorset Echo

A spokeswoman for the Royal Navy said: “RFA Fort Victoria, currently in Portland, has had a minor fire, which was quickly extinguished by the ship's company.

"As is standard protocol in these situations, the local emergency services were called. There were no serious injuries."

RFA Fort Victoria is described as a 'quiet and stealthy' ship which was originally designed to support frigates on anti-submarine warfare patrols.

The vessel provides 'vital support' to the wider fleet by acting as a stores ship and a fleet tanker and also has a large flight-deck, hangar and maintenance facilities for helicopters.