On the afternoon of September 3, the 74 meter long, 1400 dwt fishing vessel Verdel (IMO: 8512657) caught fire in the South Atlantic Ocean at Mar del Plata, Argentina. Nearby witnesses spotted smoke billowing from the Verdel and attempted to spray water into the vessel. The local fire brigade was alerted and arrived on scene a short time later.

The fire fighters boarded the Verdel and found the source of the fire.  The fire was coming from the starboard bow and had spread through multiple compartments and passageway to the main deck. It would take several hours of intense work  before the fire fighters extinguished the blaze.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the possible cause of the fire. No reports of injuries.