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Category: Explosion

Höegh Xiamen

Höegh Xiamen

Hoegh Xiamen
Photo: Jacksonville Fire Dept.

On June 4, the 183 meter long, 12250 dwt vehicle carrier Höegh Xiamen caught fire while berthed at Blount Island, Jaksonville, Florida. The fire started on her seventh deck shortly after the crew had completed loading operations. The crew was unable to contain the blaze and requested assistance. The Jacksonville Fire Department dispatched multiple crews to the scene. Firefighters found the blaze had spread to several decks. While trying to contain the blaze, there was an explosion below deck which injured several fire fighters. All 21 crew on board the Höegh Xiamen were safely evacuated from the vessel.

Fire tugs arrived on scene and began spraying water on the vessel to keep it cool.  Dewatering pumps were also deployed to control the amount of water inside the hull.  Firefighters continued their efforts for several days to contain the blaze. Firefighters continued to spray the vessel’s with 25,000 gallons of water per minute and were able to contain the blaze, but did not extinguish it. Reports on June 11, state the fire remained contained, but continued to burn on the car decks.

Authorities are monitoring the Höegh Xiamen for structural integrity and any potential pollution release. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Jag Leela

Jag Leela

Jag Leela
Photo: bisnis.com

The 284 meter long, 105525 dwt tanker Jag Leela caught fire in the Malacca Strait while berthed in the PT Waruna Nusa Sentana shipyard at Belawan, Indonesia. The fire started after an explosion in the aft section of the Jag Leela. The fire quickly spread to nearby vessels and the tanker was enveloped by dense black smoke caused by crude oil burning in the cargo tanks. Reports state there were several additional explosions as the blaze consumed the aft section and superstructure.

Authorities dispatched multiple fire brigades and fire boats to the scene. Water cannons were deployed and cranes we placed to spray water onto the Jag Leela.  Fire fighters were able to finally extinguish the blaze after 7 hours.

Search and rescue teams searched the Jag Leela for survivors of the fire and explosion. Rescuers found 31 survivors on board the tanker with 22 of them requiring medical treatment for burns and other injuries. The operation also discovered seven crew who perished by the fire or explosion. Reports state the crew were found trapped below deck and were unable to escape the blaze.

Authorities have started an investigation into the incident. Reports state authorities had some difficulty reaching portions of the tanker due to the high heat inside some of the interior cabins. The Jag Leela was severely gutted by the fire and no word if the vessel will be salvaged or scrapped.

Artur Paula

Artur Paula

Arthur Paula
Photo: agrodiariohuelva.es

The fishing vessel Arthur Paula caught fire and sank on the Ría del Carreras while berthed at the marina of Isla Cristina, Spain. Reports state the fire started after an explosion on board the Arthur Paula before spreading to nearby trawlers Maria Eduardo and Cortes Canales. The local fire brigade was alerted and were assisted by fire boats to extinguish the blaze.

The Cortes Canales sustained slight damage. The Maria Eduardo and Arthur Paula lines were cut allowing the trawler to drift away from the other vessels.  The Arthur Paula eventually burned to the waters edge and sank. The Maria Eduardo was gutted by the fire. Nearby equipment and nets on the dock also sustained damage by the fire.

Three crew members sustained injuries. Two crew had significant injuries requiring them to be  taken to hospital in Seville.

 

Authorities state some pollution had been released. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.