On the afternoon of November 24, the 105 meter long self-propelled barge Alaska (MMSI: 205384190) caught fire on the Nieuwe Merwede at Werkendam, Netherlands. The Alaska had been berthed at a shipyard when a fire was started by workers on the aft of the vessel. The fire quickly spread into the interior resulting in dense smoke. The local fire brigade, fire boats and a KNRM lifeboat responded to the blaze. Reports state the fire was quickly got under control. The extent of damage was not disclosed. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
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 15, the Chinese fishing vessel Min Dong Yu 61227 caught fire in the Taiwan Strait approximately 28 nautical miles northwest of Taipei Harbor, Taiwan. The Min Dong Yu 61227 immediately sent out a distress call as the vessel with the Taiwan Coast Guard responding. The Coast Guard rushed a vessel to the scene which had to deal with poor visibility and rough conditions. Even with waves of 3 meters and wind gusts of force 9, the Coast Guard would reached the fishing vessel. Rescuers would safely transfer all 15 crew off the Min Dong Yu 61227 to a nearby fishing vessel Minxia Yu 01459 before they extinguish the blaze. No reports of injuries.
Photo: chinatimes.com
The Min Dong Yu 61227 was later taken under tow by the fishing vessel Minxiayu 01467 and headed back to port on the mainland. As soon as the fishing vessels crossed the median line , the Taiwan Coast Guard stood down. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage to the Min Dong Yu 61227 was not disclosed.
