The corvette NRP Baptista de Andrade suffered a fire in the early hours of today, while it was sailing, on patrol, in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the mainland.
The fire originated in one of the onboard generators and was promptly countered. Due to the inhalation of smoke, it was necessary to take eight members of the crew who were experiencing respiratory difficulties to the Hospital de Sines, in an operation coordinated by the Marine Operations Center/MRCC Lisbon and the Captaincy of the Port of Sines. All military personnel have already been discharged from hospital.
The emergency alarm sounded at 02:00 am and, immediately, the entire garrison was involved in firefighting, using fire extinguishers and other firefighting means on board, in accordance with the procedures and training instituted by the Portuguese Navy. The fire was put out on the first reaction and declared to be extinguished about thirty minutes later.
The prompt response and the joint action of all elements of the garrison made it possible to avoid further damage to the ship. With the safety of people and material on board restored, the ship then headed for Sines, the nearest port, where it docked.
The eight soldiers who were suffering from breathing difficulties were immediately transported to Sines Hospital and were discharged at 09:45 am.
The investigation into the causes of the incident is ongoing. The responsibility for the Maritime Search and Rescue mission was immediately assumed by the Frigate NRP D. Francisco de Almeida.
The corvette NRP Baptista de Andrade, in the service of the Portuguese Navy since 1974, is commanded by Lieutenant Victor Fernando Plácido da Conceição and has a garrison of 68 soldiers, consisting of 9 officers, 15 sergeants and 44 soldiers.
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