On October 2, the 180 meter long, 33328 dwt cargo vessel Rijn Confidence (IMO: 9635248) caught fire while berthed on the Avon River at the port of Avonmouth, England. The vessel was loading a cargo of scrap metal at the Royal Edward Dock when a fire broke out in cargo hold number 2. The crew alerted the local fire brigade who responded with some 60 fire fighters to the scene. The fire fighters were quickly able to extinguish the blaze and examined the hold with thermal cameras for any hot spots. No reports of injuries.
Reports do not state if the Rijn Confidence sustained any significant damage from the fire. The vessel owners state there was no pollution released.
On October 2, the 44.3 meter long, 646 gt ro-ro passenger ferry KMP Tadnemand (IMO: 9027386) caught fire while at anchor off the ferry terminal at Telaga Punggur, Batam Island, Indonesia. The fire started on the top deck near the wheelhouse and passenger rooms and quickly spread across the top deck. Dense smoke was spotted by nearby vessels which alerted authorities of the fire. Authorities dispatched the patrol vessel KN Kalimasadha and later the KNP 376, KN Rantos along with additional vessels to the provide assistance. The vessels were able to get the fire extinguished within 4 hours while all 17 crew on board the KMP Tadnemand were safely evacuated. No reports of injuries.
The result of the fire was the top two decks were gutted by the fire and the lower deck heavily damaged. There were no vehicles or passengers on board at the time of the incident.
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The rescued crew had reported the fire may have started by an electrical fire caused by a short circuit on the bridge of the ferry. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On the morning of September 30, the 138 meter long, 14,541 dwt tanker Banglar Jyoti (IMO: 8508943) exploded while unloading crude oil in Chittagong, Bangladesh. The Banglar Jyoti was under going routine maintenance/repair work on the forecastle when oil vapors ignited. The resulting explosion ripped open the deck at the forepeak and setting the vessel on fire. Local authorities aided by the Coast Guard, Bangladesh Navy and fire fighters were able to bring the fire under control a few hours later. Three crew were killed by the blast. No further details reported if any other people were injured.
Reports stated that only 800 tons of crude oil had been discharged at the time of the explosion with some 10,900 tons still on board the tanker. All crude oil will be unloaded if the vessel is found safe and machinery is still operational. Reports state the Banglar Jyoti will be taken to a shipyard for inspection and possibly be salvaged and put back into service. However, the Banglar Jyoti was built in 1987 and past its operational lifespan.
Local authorities nor ship owners have disclosed if the tanker had followed inerting procedures or if the vents were open at the time of the explosion. Inerting has been adopted widely after the SS Sansinena exploded in Los Angeles harbor in 1976. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
