Fire crews tackle large blaze onboard cargo ship in Gravesend

Ten fire engines are at the scene of a large blaze onboard a cargo ship in north Kent.

Units from Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS) have been working with the coastguard and London Fire Brigade at Crete Hall Road, Gravesend, after a fire was reported at about 03:00 BST.

KFRS said crews were putting a “tactical plan” in place to extinguish the flames.

There are no reported injuries.

A bulk water carrier, water safety unit and fire boats from London Fire Brigade are also in attendance along with the volunteer response team, which is offering welfare support to crews and other partners.

Mark Davidson, deputy assistant commissioner from London Fire Brigade, said: “London firefighters have been mobilised alongside crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service to a ship fire near Gravesend.

“This includes deploying one of the brigade’s fire boats from Lambeth River Station to the scene.

“Crews are also helping to provide fire cover in parts of Kent that border London whilst local crews respond to the ship fire.”

He said the London brigade received a “request for assistance” at 03:12 and operations were ongoing.