Twenty specially-trained marine firefighters have taken part in an exercise on a cross-Channel ferry from Dover aimed at preparing for a fire onboard a similar ship.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s Maritime Incident Response Group was airlifted onto the Norfolkline vessel Maersk Delft in the English Channel by RAF helicopter from Manston on Tuesday afternoon.

The exercise, carried out with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, pushed firefighters’ skills to the limit as they used marine equipment to help deal with a "fire" in the vehicle compartment of the ship.

The scenario was thought up to allow KFRS to test out equipment specifically designed for firefighting at sea, including adapted hose reels and heat-sensing devices.

The ship was en route from Dover to Dunkerque and to make it more realistic was full of passengers at the time, although they were made aware that it was only a drill.

Gavin Hayward, of KFRS’ training and development department, said: “We are required to test our maritime response to incidents at sea on a regular basis, working with our partner agencies the MCA and RAF.

“Norfolkline have very kindly hosted the exercise which has allowed Kent firefighters to work alongside staff from Norfolkline, not only in fire-fighting, but with communications to the Coastguard and issues such as ship stability and tactical planning.

“This type of realistic scenario is vital to ensure the effectiveness of any future response to maritime incidents.”