The 241 meter long , 7324 dwt passenger ship Asuka II caught fire while docked in the port of Yokohama, Japan. The fire broke out on one of the top decks used for storage. The crew were unable to contain the blaze and requested assistance. Local firefighters arrived on scene and were able to extinguish the fire a few hours later.
Photo: nippon.com
Photo: kyodonews.net
Photo: nippon.com
No reports of injuries or pollution released. No passengers were on board the vessel.
The Asuka II has been berthed in Yokohama since April 1 due to the breakout of the coronavirus. The incident is under investigation.
On June 4, the 183 meter long, 12250 dwt vehicle carrier Höegh Xiamen caught fire while berthed at Blount Island, Jaksonville, Florida. The fire started on her seventh deck shortly after the crew had completed loading operations. The crew was unable to contain the blaze and requested assistance. The Jacksonville Fire Department dispatched multiple crews to the scene. Firefighters found the blaze had spread to several decks. While trying to contain the blaze, there was an explosion below deck which injured several fire fighters. All 21 crew on board the Höegh Xiamen were safely evacuated from the vessel.
Fire tugs arrived on scene and began spraying water on the vessel to keep it cool. Dewatering pumps were also deployed to control the amount of water inside the hull. Firefighters continued their efforts for several days to contain the blaze. Firefighters continued to spray the vessel’s with 25,000 gallons of water per minute and were able to contain the blaze, but did not extinguish it. Reports on June 11, state the fire remained contained, but continued to burn on the car decks.
Photo: Jacksonville Fire Dept.
Photo: Jacksonville Fire Dept.
Photo: Jacksonville Fire Dept.
Photo: Jacksonville Fire Dept.
Photo: Jacksonville Fire Dept.
Photo: Jacksonville Fire Dept.
Photo: Jacksonville Fire Dept.
Authorities are monitoring the Höegh Xiamen for structural integrity and any potential pollution release. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On May 27, the 85 foot long self-propelled barge Bakesteyn caught fire on the Markerneer between Marken and Almere, Netherlands. The Bakesteyn had departed from Nieuwegein bound for Amsterdam when a fire broke out in the engine room. The crew alerted authorities who dispatched patrol boats and two KNRM lifeboats to the scene. When authorities arrived on scene, the crew of the Bakesteyn had already extinguished the blaze. The fire had started by a broken drive shaft which cut a fuel line. Authorities inspected the vessel and found there was a fuel leak and determined the Bakesteyn needed to be towed to port. The KNRM lifeboat took the Bakesteyn under tow and proceeded for Amsterdam. Another barge took over the tow a short time later. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
