Car carrier RCC PASSION reported fire in engine room at around 1700 UTC Dec 2 in Celtic sea some 40 nm WNW of Ushant Island, said MRCC Corsen, France. Firefighters team was transferred on board of car carrier by helicopter, crew meanwhile, fought fire by own means. Sometime around midnight troubled vessel was approached by SAR ship ABEILLE BOURBON (IMO 9308687). As of 0200 UTC Dec 2, RCC PASSION seems to be on tow of ABEILLE BOURBON, destination unknown, situation on board and damages extent unknown. Initially, she was en route from Le Havre to Fort-de-France, Martinique, with 2195 cars on board.
UPDATE 0600 UTC: No AIS during last 5 hours, reportedly fire extinguished, crew trying to restart engine, vessel drifting in western direction with ABEILLE BOURBON at her side.
UPDATE Dec 3 0530 UTC: Proceeding towards Brest, understood under own power, escorted by ABEILLE BOURBON.
Car carrier RCC PASSION, IMO 9453107, GT 36834, built 2011, flag Bahamas, manager RAY CAR CARRIERS LTD, Isle of Man.
