The 129 meter long, 2655 dwt ro-ro ferry Amman caught fire in the Red Sea near Aqaba, Jordan. The fire started in the galley by an electrical fault. The fire lasted a half an hour before the crew was able to extinguish it. No reports of injuries and damage was limited. The Amman was en route to Nuweiba with 664 passengers and 70 vehicles. The ferry continued to Nuweiba where it safely berthed.
The 148 meter long, 2248 dwt ro-ro ferry Pella caught fire and sank off Aqaba, Jordan. The Pella loaded with 1229 passengers was headed for Nuweiba, Egypt from Aqaba. Reports state a fire broke out and quickly got out of control. The Pella’s crew sent out a distress signal and requested passengers go to the lifeboats until rescuers would arrive. Authorities dispatched a tug and another ferry to the scene while naval vessels and military aircraft aided in the rescue effort. Reports state all passengers except one were safely escaped and were rescued. The one passenger jumped overboard and drowned. Several passengers had slight injuries or suffered from smoke inhalation. Damage from the fire is extensive and the ferry has suffered flooding. The fire started in the ferry’s cargo section.
Reports state a merchant vessel was on fire off the shore near Bab-el-Mandeb in the Red Sea. The name of the vessel was not included in the report, but it does state all the crew were rescued by a passing vessel.
