DFDS Caesarea Trader Engine Room Fire: All Personnel Confirmed Safe
London, 10 February 2026 – A major emergency response was triggered on the evening of 9 February 2026 after a fire broke out in the engine room of the DFDS cargo vessel Caesarea Trader. The ship, which was en route from Jersey to Portsmouth, became disabled off the coast of the Isle of Wight. HM Coastguard and the RNLI confirmed that all 23 crew members and the single passenger on board were accounted for and are safe. The vessel is currently awaiting a tow to shore for further inspection.
Incident Overview
The fire was reported on Monday evening while the vessel was navigating the English Channel. According to statements from the operator, DFDS, the blaze originated in the engine room. Although the situation prompted an initial “abandon ship” warning to the crew, the fire was eventually brought under control using onboard suppression systems and the assistance of emergency services. The ship subsequently dropped anchor off the Isle of Wight to stabilise its position.
The 126-metre Ro-Ro cargo ship, formerly known as the Commodore Goodwill, is a vital link in the freight supply chain between the Channel Islands and the UK mainland. This incident follows recent local scrutiny regarding DFDS’s freight operations and reliability since the company began operating Jersey routes in March 2025.
Vessel Specifications and Key Facts
The following data represents the technical profile of the vessel involved in the incident, based on verified maritime records.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Caesarea Trader (Ex-Commodore Goodwill) |
| IMO Number | 9117985 |
| Vessel Type | Ro-Ro Cargo Ship |
| Flag State | United Kingdom |
| Year Built | 1996 |
| Length Overall | 126.4 metres |
| Beam (Width) | 21.4 metres |
| Gross Tonnage | 11,166 GT |
| Deadweight | 5,215 MT |
Frequently Asked Questions
Were there any casualties in the Caesarea Trader fire?
No. DFDS and HM Coastguard have confirmed that all 23 crew members and the one passenger on board were safely accounted for. There were no reported injuries during the evacuation protocols or the firefighting efforts.
What caused the fire on the DFDS vessel?
Initial reports indicate the fire started in the engine room. A full investigation by maritime safety authorities will be required to determine the exact mechanical or electrical cause of the blaze.
What is the current status of the ship?
As of 10 February 2026, the fire is under control. The vessel is currently stationary off the Isle of Wight and is scheduled to be towed to a nearby port for repairs and a formal safety assessment.
Will this affect freight deliveries to Jersey?
As the Caesarea Trader is a primary freight carrier for the Jersey-Portsmouth route, some disruption to the delivery schedule is expected. DFDS has not yet confirmed which vessel will provide cover during the repair period.