Eco Colonel
On the early morning of November 30, the 229 meter long, 82122 dwt bulk carrier Eco Colonel (IMO: 9602356) caught fire in the Bay of Bengal at the port of Paradip, India. The Eco Colonel was loading 30,000 metric tonnes of coal bound for Krishnapatnam when smoke could be seen from the hold of the bulk carrier. A fire had started in the hold while coal was being transferred by a conveyor belt. The local fire brigade was called out to assist. Fire fighters unloaded the affected coal and sprayed water to douse the blaze. Two hours later the fire was extinguished. Some machinery and the boom conveyor sustained damage from the incident. No reports of injuries to the crew, dock workers or fire fighters.
Initial reports state the fire may have been started by insufficient watering the cargo prior to loading or the lack of ventilation in cargo holds or stockpiles. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.