Four rescued after fishing boat catches fire off Newfoundland

Four crew members were plucked to safety from a life-raft 160 km of the coast of St. John’s after their fishing vessel caught fire Friday night. No injuries were reported.

The SOS call was made about 8 o’clock, reports say. Two coast guard vessels, a handful of fishing boats and a helicopter were sent to the scene.

The people were forced to abandon their vessel, the Challenger Traveler, due to the flames and spent about two hours awaiting rescue.

The crew was brought to safety by another vessel.

Maj. Mark Norris, of the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Halifax said in a report that the crew had followed proper protocol and worn immersion suits. Norris said the weather conditions were bad and air operations were hampered by poor visibility.