General cargo vessel ELBETOR issued distress signal at 0520 UTC Jan 13, reporting fire on board, vessel was 6 miles off Norfolk coast, UK, English Canal. Fire started and spread in superstructure. Two coastguard helicopters, a lifeboat from Cromer and two other vessels went to the aid, a six-person fire team from Humberside was airlifted to the ship and are helping the crew tackle fire hotspots. It is reported, that the vessel is expected to reach nearest port of Great Yarmouth under own power. But as of 1400 UTC Jan 13 vessel was still disabled, drifting, with probably firefighting still going on. Vessel loaded with wheat was en route from King’s Lynn, UK, to Rotterdam. No injures reported among firefighters or 7 crew.
