----------------------GA SECURITY REQUIRED-----------------------

Update 2nd March 2023

* We have received reports that the owners of containership, ESCAPE have declared GA as a consequence of the fire on board the vessel on 22 February 2023 whilst navigating in the Baltic Sea.

* General Average security will therefore now also be required from all Cargo Interests prior to the delivery of their cargo, in addition to Salvage Security, and we are likely to be able to assist in that regard.

* It is reported that the vessel currently remains at Riga, presumably undergoing inspection, and possibly for repairs.

* We are currently making enquiries as to shipowners' intentions for the on-carriage of cargo to destination ports and of the terms of the GA security to be provided.

* We recommend that you contact us urgently if you are concerned with any cargo on board this vessel so that we can immediately start taking steps to protect your interests.

------------------SALVAGE SECURITY REQUIRED-------------------

* We understand that salvage services were provided to the vessel by professional salvors acting under LOF terms.

* Consequently, salvage security will be required to be provided by cargo interests as a matter of urgency.

* We are currently making enquiries of the salvors as to the terms of the salvage security to be provided.

* GA may also be declared by shipowners. If so, General Average security may be required from all Cargo Interests prior to the delivery of their cargo, and we are also likely to be able to assist in that regard.

* We therefore recommend that you contact us urgently if you are concerned with any cargo on board this vessel so that we can immediately start taking steps to protect your interests.

--------------------------------ORIGINAL--------------------------------

* We have received reports that containership, ESCAPE, experienced a fire in the engine room whilst navigating in the Baltic Sea on 22 February 2023.

* The crew were unsuccessful in extinguishing the fire and were later evacuated from the vessel.

* It is reported that salvage services were rendered to the vessel by a fire-fighting tug and the vessel was later taken under tow towards Riga.

* Consequently, Salvage Security may be required to be provided by a party acceptable to the Salvors or the Council of Lloyd's on behalf of cargo interests and W K Webster may be able to assist. Security provided by WKW is acceptable to the Council of Lloyd's and widely preferred by professional Salvors.

* If General Average is declared, General Average security may be required from all Cargo Interests prior to the delivery of their cargo, and we are also likely to be able to assist in that regard.

* Recovery issues may also arise in respect of fire and/or heat and/or smoke and/or water damage to cargo arising as a result of the fire and the fire-fighting operations.

* We therefore recommend that you contact us urgently if you are concerned with any cargo on board this vessel so that we can immediately start taking steps to protect your interests.