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Category: Fire

Fire off Marado Island

Fire off Marado Island

Marado Island Fire
Photo: nate.com

On the early morning of October 12, a 129 ton fishing vessel (name not disclosed) caught fire in the East China Sea some 34 kilometers southeast of Marado Island in Seogwipo, Jeju, South Korea. The fire started in the engine room of the purse seiner and quickly spread through the vessel.  The crew alerted the South Korean Coast Guard who dispatched a helicopter along with 5 patrol boats to assist.  The Coast Guard also asked nearby vessel to aid the fishing vessel. The 27 crew members on board the fishing vessel would be later rescued by a nearby vessel.  Six crew members had sustain injuries including smoke inhalation and burns to the face and arms. They would be later transported to hospital in Jeju City for treatment.

Marado Island Fire
Photo: nate.com

Reports stated the patrol vessels arrived on the scene and used water cannons to extinguish the blaze. The extent of damage caused by the fire was not disclosed. Authorities have launched an investigation. Initial reports state the crew heard a loud bang right before the fire started.

Qing Hua Shan

Qing Hua Shan

Qing Hua Shan

On the evening of September 26, the 199 meter long, 63800 dwt bulk carrier Qing Hua Shan (IMO: 9741528) caught fire in the English Channel while berthed in Southampton, England. A fire was detected in cargo hold No. 3 that was loaded with scrap metal. The local fire brigade was alerted and dispatched over 40 firefighters to battle the blaze. The fire continued to grow and had spread into cargo hold No. 4 before fire fighters were able to get things under control.  Using multiple fire engines and multiple carbon-dioxide canisters, the fire was brought under control.  Reports stated that fire fighters remained on site the following day to monitor any flare ups.  No reports of injuries to crew or to fire fighters.  Damage to the Qing Hua Shan was not disclosed.

 

Ashore at Órzola

Ashore at Órzola

Ashore at Órzola
Photo: lavozdelanzarote.com

On the morning of September 10, a fishing vessel (Moroccan flagged; name not disclosed) ran aground on the Atlantic Ocean off the island of Lanzarote, Canary islands.  The tuna boat had sailing off the coast of the island near the town of Órzola when it ran aground on the rocky shoreline.

Witnesses alerted authorities which arrived on site and found all five crew were stable.  Local firefighters assisted all five crew to evacuate the vessel safely to shore. Reports state the crew of the fishing vessel had not eaten a meal for four days. Two crew were taken to hospital for treatment for hypothermia.

Authorities were investigating the incident to determine the circumstances. There is some speculation the fishing vessel was stolen or the crew had not been paid by the owners. It wasn’t clear if the tuna boat had accidently grounded on the Canary Islands by chance or if was intentional.

Reports stated the tuna vessel had later caught fire. Authorities stated they were looking a way to dispose of the vessel with minimal environmental impact.