Cruise liner burns off English coast, passengers safe
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LONDON - A ship with 708 passengers on board was on fire in the English Channel near Beachy Head early Saturday, a coastguard spokesman said.
"The ship has its lifeboats out but not lowered and we are monitoring the situation," the spokesman said, adding that there had been no order to abandon ship.
The fire started at 3:47 am (0247 GMT) in the engine room. The cause of the fire was not known.
The liner, called the Calypso, was located 20 miles (30 kilometres) off the southeast England town of Eastbourne, Sky TV reported.
Airforce and coastguard helicopters were said to be on the way to the scene.
The ownership, route and nationalities of those on board were not immediately known. -
Just wondering if they were watching "Poseidon" while on board.
