The 86 meter long cargo vessel Jinlong 7 caught fire in the East China Sea near Jeju Island, South Korea. The Jinlong 7 was en route to Shanghai from Rajun with a cargo of 1200 tons of timber when a fire broke out in the engine room. The crew was able to extinguish the blaze before help had time to arrive. The fire disabled the vessel and it was towed to Seogwipo, Jeju island for repairs. Reports state the fire was started by a broken fuel pipe.
The 160 meter long, 17,004 dwt LPG tanker Navigator Europa caught fire while moored at the terminal in the Houston Ship Channel. The Navigator Europa was transferring ethylene when fire broke out in the compressor room. The crew requested assistance with the Coast Guard dispatching several fire fighting vessels to the scene. The firefighting efforts were able to contain the blaze within 90 minutes. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Authorities stopped traffic on the ship channel for several additional hours until the vessel was inspected and the surrounding area for any toxic flumes. The Coast Guard reopen the channel to traffic later the same day. No leaks were detected. The incident is under investigation.
Photo: Sturgeon Bay Fire Dept
The 158 meter long, 19,414 dwt self-unloading bulk carrier Alpena caught fire on Lake Michigan while berthed at a shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The fire started in the stern section just above the engine room and quickly extended into the superstructure. Local firefighters arrived on scene and were able to bring the blaze under control. No reports of injuries. The Alpena sustained significant fire damage and required multiple weeks for repairs before it can go back into service. Reports state the Alpena was undergoing a five year inspection.
