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Category: Fire

Crystal Asia

Crystal Asia

Crystal Asia
Photo: Korea Coast Guard

On March 26, the 135.5 meter long 8053 dwt refrigerated cargo vessel Crystal Asia (IMO: 9053957) caught fire in the Sea of Japan off Busan, South Korea. The Crystal Asia had travelled just 5 miles from the port of Busan when a fire broke out in the engine room. Alerted by the dense smoke billowing from the reefer, authorities dispatched multiple rescue boats. The rescue boats arrived on site and firefighters boarded the Crystal Asia where they extinguished the blaze.

The rescue boats were able to safely evacuate all 23 crew off the Crystal Asia.  Six crew sustained injuries with 2 suffering severe burns while 4 others with minor burns. Reports state the severely injured crew were taken to hospital for treatment. A tug was later dispatched and towed the Crystal Asia back to port. Authorities were able to do an inspection of the vessel. An initial report indicates that there may have been an explosion that started the fire and not a malfunction in the engine room.

 

 

Pico Tresmares

Pico Tresmares

Pico Tresmares
Photo: vesselfinder.com

On the morning of March 17, the 44 meter long fishing vessel Pico Tresmares (IMO: 9098658) caught fire in the Pacific Ocean some 860 nautical miles off La Serena, Chile. The fire started in the vessel’s engine room and quickly grew out of control. The crew attempted to extinguish the blaze but were unsuccessful.  All 19 crew would later abandoned ship into life rafts. The Pico Tresmares would later capsize and sink. Reports state the crew were later rescued by another fishing vessel. No reports of injuries.

Ronggolawe 09

Ronggolawe 09

Ronggolawe 09
Photo: depbug.go.id

On the morning of March 13, the 48 meter long tanker Ronggolawe 09 (MMSI: 525501884) caught fire in the Java Sea near Lamongan, Indonesia. The Ronggolawe 09 was headed to Lamongan from Gresik when it attempted to transfer 25 tons of diesel fuel to the tug TB Rosalin 08.  During the transfer, there was an explosion resulting in a fire on the deck of the tanker. All the crew on board the Ronggolawe 09 abandoned ship into the sea.  The fire also engulfed the TB Rosalin 08, but the fire on the tug would later be extinguished by authorities.  Fire fighters arrived on scene several hours later and were later able to extinguish the blaze on the Ronggolawe 09.

Reports state that 4 crew of the 11 of the Ronggolawe 09 were still missing. Authorities have not stated the number of crew who were injured from both vessels.  The Ronggolawe 09  sustained significant damage, but was reported to be still afloat.