On the afternoon of December 18, the 86 meter long self-propelled barge Linah (MMSI: 211476540) caught fire while moored on the Elbe River at Köhlfleet, Germany. The Linah had been at moored at a jetty with 1000 tons of gypsum when a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room. The local fire brigade arrived on scene and found the Linah engine room ablaze. Reports state multiple vessels along with 70 fire fighters were involved in extinguishing the fire. There were no injuries reported. Extent of damage to the vessel was not disclosed.
On December 19, the 109 meter long dredger Hynz 31 (MMIS: 548440900) caught fire while at anchor in Manila Bay near Manila, Philippines. The fire broke out in the forecastle of the dredger spewing out dense black smoke. The vessel requested assistance with the Philippine Coast Guard dispatching two Parola-class patrols boats, the BRP Sindangan and the BRP Suluan. The Coast Guard was able to extinguish the blaze.
The Philippine Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The cause and extent of damage on the Hynz 31 was not disclosed.
On the early morning of December 16, the 135 meter long passenger ship Thurgau Gold (MMSI: 269057854) caught fire while on the Rhine near Speyer, Germany. The fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room spewing out smoke. The Thurgau Gold requested assistance with the local fire brigade met the vessel near Speyer. Fire boats assisted the passenger ship to berth allowing fire fighters on board. Fire fighters were able to get the blaze under control within a few hours, but it would take many more hours before the fire was extinguished. Reports state the heat from the fire required the hull to be cooled from water sprayed against the hull.
The 149 passengers and 42 crew were safely evacuated off the vessel to a restaurant in Speyer. Later the same day the passengers were transferred to buses for their return journey. There were no reports of injuries.
Photo: rheinpfalz.de
Photo: rheinpfalz.de
Photo: swr.de
Photo: swr.de
Photo: rnf.de
Photo: rnf.de
Reports state the Thurgau Gold engine room was gutted by the fire with the main engines damaged. The passenger ship would be towed to a shipyard where it will undergo inspection and repairs. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
