On the morning of November 26, the 222 meter long, 37874 dwt container ship Chiquita Voyager (IMO: 9304978) caught fire on the Delaware River at the port of Wilmington, Delaware. The fire started in the container ship’s engine room spewing smoke through the superstructure. The Chiquita Voyager engaged its fire suppression system which help contain the fire to the engine room. The Wilmington fire brigade arrived on site and got the fire extinguished after several hours. Four crew of the Chiquita Voyager sustained burns and would be taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Photo: facebook/Delaware State Fire School
Photo: wdel.com
Photo: wdel.com
Photo: wdel.com
Damage caused by the fire was not disclosed. Fire fighters would remain on scene to monitor for any flare-ups. State officials have launched an investigation into the incident.
On the evening of November 21, the 336 meter long, 98849 dwt container ship One Henry Hudson (IMO: 9302176) caught fire in the Pacific Ocean at 701 East New Dock Street in San Pedro, California. An electrical fire started below deck and had spread through areas of the vessel which were inaccessible to the crew. An hour later there was an explosion mid-deck which caused a partial power blackout making the lights and onboard cranes to stop functioning.
Multiple authorities were alerted with the Los Angeles City Fire Department, United States Coast Guard, Los Angeles Port Police along with the Long Beach Fire Department and the crew on the One Henry Hudson assisting. Over 200 fire fighters along with 7 fireboats were deployed to fight the fire. Several of the vessel’s 23 crew initially assisted firefighters, but all crew members were evacuated off the vessel. As conditions on the vessel deteriorated, the fire fighters were ordered off the container ship. Fire suppression was conducted at a safe distance from shore and from fire boats.
Photo: Los Angeles Fire Department
A few hours later, authorities determined to move the One Henry Hudson from the pier to approximately 1 mile off shore near the Angel’s Gate Lighthouse. There the container ship would be at anchor while fire suppression continued and salvage teams begin efforts. There were no reports of injuries. Authorities had issues a stay at home order while the container ship was in port, but was lifted when the vessel went offshore. Reports state the fire had been contained to just one compartment by the next day. An investigation into the incident has been launched.
On the afternoon of November 7, the 255 meter long, 68129 dwt container ship MSC Kyparissia (IMO: 9618599) caught fire in the Johor Strait while berth at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia. Reports state the fire started in the under-hatch section of Block 5 while the crew were unloading containers. One crew member was killed and another 3 sustained injuries. Another 2 dock workers were also killed from the fire. The injured crew were taken to hospital for treatment.
The local fire brigade deployed nine firefighters, one firetruck, a multi-purpose vehicle, and two tugs to combat the blaze. Reports state the blaze was later brought under control, but fire fighters remain on site in case of reignition. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The extent of damage to the MSC Kyparissia has not been disclosed.
