Fire on a Channel Boat.

“Last night’s drama unfolded on the Empress, moored in Granville Dock, as fire engulfed the stokers’ room. The bravery of Police Constable Morris, alongside watchmen Lawrence, highlighted Dover’s readiness to face emergencies, even on the unpredictable waters of the Channel.”

Last night at 9-25 a fire broke out in the stokers room on board the mail packet Empress, which was lying in the Granville Dock near the Crosswall. Police constable Morris received the alarm from the watchmen on the Empress Edward Lawrence and rushing to the boat he found smoke pouring out of the forecastle.

Captain Brownfield Deputy Harbour Master and some of his men assisted in fixing the standpipe and several of the Police Fire Brigade arriving the hose was brought to bear on the fire. It was fortunately confined to the ships firemen or stokers cabin and was extinguished at 10-50. The men’s lockers and contents were destroyed as well as other contents of the cabin.

October 1901.