The 167 meter long passenger ship Ocean Countess caught fire while berthed at the Chalkis Shipyards at Halkida, Greece.  The fire started on the upper decks of the vessel where materials had been stored.  The fire quickly grew beyond the control of the five crewmen aboard the cruise ship.  Local fire brigades were requested who dispatched multiple crews to the scene.  Multiple fire tugs also assisted fighting the blaze while other tugs moved other vessels which had been tied up close to the Ocean Countess.  No reports of injuries.

Reports state booms had been placed around the Ocean Countess as a precautionary measure.  The cruise ship had been laid up since 2012, but had been expected to return to service in 2014.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

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