The 29 meter long freighter Francesca Prior was off Higham, England when a fire broke out in the accomodation area of the vessel.   The two crewmen on board contacted the Gravesend RNLI lifeboat for assistance.   The vessel’s wheelhouse became filled with black smoke while the weather worsen into a very heavy squall with force 7 winds.   The crew had attempted to fight the fire using the fire extinguishers and the fire hose, but had to close off the area due to the smoke. The RNLI lifeboat was able to reach the vessel quickly and was able to clear the smoke out of the wheelhouse.   The vessels then proceeded to Denton Wharf where Kent fire service was waiting to assist.   The fire service was able to extinguish the fire .   Initial reports state the fire may have been caused by bad lagging around the engine exhaust system near the accommodation area.

View a video of the rescue by the Gravesend RNLI