Passengers evacuated from fire-hit steamer

MV Swift will remain out of service until further notice

Passengers on a steamer in Cumbria were evacuated after a fire broke out in the boat's engine room.

The blaze was spotted at about 11.55 GMT on Wednesday as the MV Swift approached Brockhole Pier, Windermere.

All 84 passengers on board disembarked safely, with Windermere Lake Cruises describing the fire as "small".

It added the cause of the fire was being investigated and the vessel would be out of service until further notice.

A spokesperson for the cruise company said smoke was detected coming from the engine room as the boat approached the pier.

"The Master deployed the ship’s on board fire suppression system and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service attended the vessel as a precautionary measure," the spokesperson said.

"There were 84 passengers on board, all of whom safely disembarked and then carried on their journey to Ambleside on another vessel.

"The cause of this incident is being fully investigated and MV Swift will therefore be out of service until further notice. Scheduled services will be covered by the remainder of the fleet. "

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire had been extinguished.