Video: Night-vision of passengers and crew airlifted from North Sea ferry The RAF has released night vision pictures of passengers and crew being winched up into a rescue helicopter after fire broke out on a ferry in the North Sea. The vessel, which was bound for Amsterdam, was forced to return to England after fire sent passengers to the outer deck in the middle of the night and prompted rescue services to scramble lifeboats and helicopters. The ferry carrying 946 passengers had sailed just 30 miles in the North Sea when the fire broke out at about 11pm on Saturday. It was quickly contained, but two crew members and four passengers were taken off the ferry for treatment for smoke inhalation before it returned to Newcastle, in northern England. Twenty-three other people were treated on board for smoke-related injuries. Local police said a 26-year-old passenger was arrested on suspicion of starting the blaze. Another, aged 28, was arrested on suspicion of fighting. The circumstances surrounding the fire - which started in one of the ship's cabins - remain unexplained, although the evacuation of passengers to the outer deck of the ship was generally described as calm. The boat is due to remain in dock for another day while authorities inspect the damage.