On August 14, the 292 meter long, 7500 dwt passenger cruise ship Mediterranea caught fire while arriving at pier 8 in Jeju, South Korea.  The Mediterranea had departed from Tianjin, China when smoke was spotted near the engine room. A fire had started in a machine room caused by a mechanical failure in the air conditioning system. The fire while contained below decks had spewed out toxic smoke along large section of the starboard side of the vessel.

Fortunately, the crew was able to respond quickly to the blaze.  An automated water sprinkler system was engaged and extinguished the fire.  All passengers on board were safely disembarked with no reports of injuries to the 2436 passengers on board.

Three crew suffered smoke inhalation that received emergency treatment on site. The Korean Coast Guard and local fire deparment inspected the vessel for damage and concluded the Mediterranea was cleared to proceed on its next port of call at Fukoka, Japan.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.