Cruise liner in crisis Six lifeboats launched on 6 May 2006 to the help of The Calypso (pictured). The 135m liner and 708 passengers were 15 miles south of Beachy Head, East Sussex, when fire broke out. Tyne classes MaxAitken III from Bembridge, Voluntary Worker from Selsey and Hermione Lady Colwyn from Shoreham Harbour; Mersey classes from Eastbourne The Royal Thames and Hastings Sealink Endeavour, and Newhaven's Severn class David and Elizabeth Acland joi ned Government agencies to ensure the fire was extinguished and evacuation was avoided pending a tow to Southampton.

(Also see Letters page 17.).