Vehicle catches alight aboard Spirit of Tasmania

Reports that two horses perished in a fire which broke out on the Spirit of Tasmania overnight have been confirmed as false. DETAILS >>

Reports that two horses perished in a fire which broke out on the Spirit of Tasmania overnight have been confirmed as false.

The fire, which has been dubbed an “extremely serious incident”, had sparked rumours two horses were killed when the truck they were travelling in caught alight.

A TT-Line spokesman told the Mercury that the “rumours are utterly false”.

The engine bay of a Tasmanian Horse Transport truck, which was parked on the freight deck of Spirit of Tasmania II, caught alight about midnight.

In a statement, Tasmanian Horse Transport said the truck was “fully loaded” with horses when the fire broke out.

“Thankfully, TT-Line crew were alerted to this on one of their regular security checks and acted very quickly to extinguish the fire, containing it mostly to the underbody of the truck’s cab,” the statement read.

“All horses appeared settled and well and continued to appear so at subsequent checks throughout the remainder of the voyage.”

Tasmanian Horse Transport said the horses were checked over by a vet on Friday morning.

“Our team are devastated that this freak incident has occurred but also thankful that all horses and people involved are okay,” the statement continued.

“There have been incorrect news stories circulating in regards to this incident but rest assured no animals were harmed and the TT-Line staff and crew members could not have been more helpful to us and our horses.”

TT-Line chief executive Bernard Dwyer said passengers, who were en route from Melbourne to Devonport, were assembled by the master of the vessel in line with standard procedures.

The Spirit of Tasmania arrived on schedule. Picture: Rob Burnett

“Passenger and crew safety is of paramount importance to the company,” Mr Dwyer said.

“The crew did an outstanding job under very difficult circumstances, extinguishing the fire and keeping passengers and fellow crew members safe.

“The important thing to remember is that while this was an extremely serious incident, the master and crew performed admirably and according to safety protocols implemented during rigorous training.

“Spirit of Tasmania II resumed normal operations and returned to full speed at about 1.30am and arrived on schedule.”

A passenger on Friday said the incident was “well managed”.

“The (master) informed passengers of what was going on and moved everyone to level seven for a controlled response,” she said.

“The (Spirit of Tasmania I) was observed nearby and could have responded if necessary.

“Well done to the Spirit crew.”

The cause of the fire is being investigated.