On Sunday 24th June 2007, UK MIRG teams dealt with a fire on board the Tug HT Blade, (371 gt), with three persons on board, 1.5 miles off of Cromer on the coast of Norfolk. The call requesting assistance was received at approximately 0800 (local) and the Suffolk FRS MIRG team was alerted shortly after.

Additional teams of firefighters from Lincolnshire FRS MIRG team were also put on stand by.

A Command structure was established at Yarmouth MRCC and two teams from Suffolk MIRG team were transported to the incident by helicopter. A fire had been reported in the engine room and the vessel's crew had closed the compartment and discharged the ships fixed firefighting system into the compartment.

The Operational Commander on board the vessel carried out boundary cooling and set up a procedure to monitor the temperature in the compartment.

Lincolnshire MIRG teams remained on standby until the vessel was taken under tow at around 1700. The vessel was then towed to the port of Lowestoft arriving at approximately 0230 Hours (Mon 25th June), where the Suffolk FRS carried out an examination of the compartment and subsequently closed the incident.

The incident presented a valuable opportunity to further test the MIRG Mobilising, Communications and Command and Control procedures as well as the interaction with MRCC staff.

The Fire Liaison Manager, Suffolk Lead Officer and MCA Duty Area Officer are delighted with the commitment and professionalism shown by Fire and Rescue Service, SAR flight and Coastguard personnel in bringing the incident to a satisfactory conclusion.

A full debrief of the incident will be carried out in due course."