The 466 dwt fishing vessel Kenyo Maru No. 58 caught fire off Callao, Peru. The fire started after the vessel suffered an explosion. A distress call was sent out with patrol boats and tugs responding. The rescue vessels were able to bring the fire under control, but only after several hours. No reports of injuries to the 18 crew on board. The Kenyo Maru No. 58 was taken under tow to and taken to a safe anchorage. An investigation into the fire has been launched.
The 280 meter long, 7000 dwt passenger cruise ship Grandeur of the Seas suffered a fire while off West End, Bahamas. The fire started in the aft mooring area and spread to the deck above into a crew lounge area. The crew responded and were able to extinguish the blaze. No reports of injuries to the crew or the 2,224 passengers on board. The Grandeur of the Seas proceeded under its own power to Freeport. The vessel moored while it underwent inspection. Further reports stated the Grandeur of the Seas cancelled the remainder of its voyage and its passengers where flown back to Baltimore, Maryland and will receive a full refund.
The 351 dwt fishing vessel Taigan caught fire while near the port at Wakkanai, Japan. The vessel had arrived at Wakkanai with a cargo of crabs caught off Sakhalin Island near Korsakov, Russia. The fire started in the vessel’s superstructure and quickly spread through the vessel. Of the 23 crewmen on board the Taigan, six were trapped below decks and perished in the blaze. Another three men were taken to hospital for minor burns. The local authorities were able to extinguish the fire a few hours later. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Reports state the vessel’s cargo of crabs may have been illegally caught. Other reports state the vessel had change names and ownership several time over the last few years.
