The 198 meter long, 11089 dwt ro-ro freighter Britannia Seaways caught fire while in the North Sea near Florø, Norway.  The Britannia Seaways was en route to Bergen in severe weather with high wind gusts and waves reaching 15 meters.  During the storm, a fire broke out in a container near the rear of the vessel.   The crew initially requested assistance with three helicopters dispatched to the scene. Attempts to lift the crew from the Britannia Seaways were aborted due to the bad weather.  The crew eventually was able to extinguish the blaze and the Britannia Seaways continued under its own power toward Bergen.  A Norwegian Navy vessel escorted the freighter to Bergen.  No reports of injuries to the 20 crew and 12 military personnel on board.  Reports state the Britannia Seaways had a cargo of military equipment including armored vehicles.

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