Gorinchem VIII
On the early morning of November 6, the 36 meter long passenger ferry Gorinchem VIII (MMSI: 244750275) caught fire on the Merwede River while berthed at a quay in Gorkum, Netherlands. Just before its first voyage of the day, the ferry crew found smoke coming out of the front hatch of the vessel. The local fire brigade arrived on scene with three fire engines. Firefighters were quickly able to extinguish the fire and help ventilate the smoke afterwards. Reports state the fire was started by a short circuit in one of the vessel’s battery chargers.
Another ferry was brought into service while the Gorinchem VIII could be cleaned. The ferry was expected to be back into service later the same day. No reports of injuries or pollution released.