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Author: Paul Hancock

Hecht

Hecht

Hecht
Photo: landeszeitung.de

On the evening of October 21, the 70 meter long self-propelled barge Hecht (MSSI: 211496960) caught fire on the Elbe off Lauenburg, Germany. The Hecht was on a voyage from Hildensheim to Hamburg when fire broke out in the living quarters. The fire quickly engulfed the superstructure in meters high flames and spewing out dense black smoke.  Multiple fire brigades were dispatched to the scene to battle the blaze. Their combined effort were able to extinguish the fire in about an hour. The crew of the Hecht were uninjured, but the vessel sustained around 100,000 euros in damage to the barge. Reports state the cargo of  wheat grain was unimpacted by the fire.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. No details on how the fire broke out on the vessel.

Med Atlantic

Med Atlantic

Med Atlantic
Photo: x.com

On the morning of October 21, the 170 meter long, 26,234 dwt tanker Med Atlantic (IMO: 9410533) caught fire in the East Johor Strait off Singapore. The fire started in the vessel’s engine room and exhaust funnel while the tanker was at anchor. Unable to contain the blaze, the crew alerted authorities for assistance. Authorities dispatched three firefighting vessels with 30 firefighting personnel to  the scene along with two tugs and rescue boats from the Coast Guard and Civil Defense Force. All 22 crew on the Med Atlantic was safely evacuated while firefighters contain the fire. Water jets were used to cool the hull while the fire in the funnel was extinguished.  No further details reported.  No report of injuries.

Ultra Infinity

Ultra Infinity

Ultra Infinity
Photo: kn-online.de

On the morning of October 23, the 200 meter long, 61,188 dwt bulk carrier Ultra Infinity (IMO: 9767481) ran aground on the Kiel Canal near Kiel, Germany. The Ultra Infinity was bound for the Baltic Sea when it veered off course in dense fog.  Conditions had visibility down to just 100 meters when the bulk carrier struck the canal’s north embankment. The vessel was able to free itself and proceeded to Kiel.  The vessel sustained no injuries, water ingress and no pollution was released.  Authorities halted traffic for a short period until the visibility improved. The bulk carrier proceeded on to Holtenau for further inspection. The incident is under investigation by the water police.