British passengers have returned to the UK after they were evacuated from a fire-struck river cruise ship.

The 102 British passengers onboard the Regina Rheni returned to the UK over the weekend after a fire broke out on the ship on Friday, with guests first taken to a hotel in Dusseldorf. All passengers and crew were evacuated safely with some requiring hospital treatment mainly for smoke inhalation. Regina Rheni is used exclusively by Saga, which said all passengers will receive a full refund.

Extensive damage has been caused to the vessel after the engine room fire, which hit at around 3.15am on Friday.

Fire engines and rescue boats were called to the ship after the fire alarm sounded, battling with the blaze for the remainder of the night. It was finally extinguished at 6.30 am.

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