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Tag: Fire

Omega

Omega

Omega
Photo: goorsnieuws.nl

On the evening of November 12, the 108.5 meter long self-propelled barge Omega (MMSI: 244770363) caught fire on the Twentekanaal at the port of Goor, Netherlands. The Omega was hauling a cargo of scrap metal when a fire broke out in the cargo.  The vessel berthed at a quay where the local fire brigade were called to fight the blaze. Firefighters deployed a crane over the vessel and spray foam over the burning cargo until the fire was brought under control.

No reports of injuries to the crew of the Omega or the fire fighters. The extent of damage was not disclosed.

Carole B

Carole B

Carole B
Photo: kfsk.org

On the night of November 13, the 65 foot long fishing vessel Carole B (MMSI: 367173750) caught fire on the Frederick Sound while berthed in Petersburg, Alaska. Reports state the fire started by a portable heater near or within the vessel’s galley. A person passing through the area spotted the smoke coming from the fishing vessel and alerted local fire fighters.  The local fire fighters were able to completely extinguish the blaze in an hour and a half. No one was on board the Carole B at the time of the fire.

Reports state the vessel did sustain material damage and extensive smoke damage. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Ukushima

Ukushima

Ukushima
Photo: Japan Coast Guard

On the morning of November 11,  the 54 meter long, wooden hull Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) minesweeper Ukushima (MMSI: 31999662) was lost in Sagami Bay some 2.5 kilometers off Oshima Island, Japan. While conducting a drill, a fire started in the Ukushima engine room. The initial attempt by the crew to contain the blaze failed.  As the fire began to engulf the vessel, the crew requested assistance. The Japan Coast Guard dispatch a fire fighting vessel while the MSDF redirected the minesweeper Toyoshima to the scene. After several hours of fire fighting, the fire looked as if it was contained.  However, the fire would later flare up again a short time later and spread through out the wooden hull.

Authorities determined the next action was to evacuate the Ukushima crew over to the Toyoshima.  When the evacuation was completed, a roll call found that the petty officer on duty in the engine room had been left on board the Ukushima.

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Reports state the fire continued to engulf the Ukushima until the vessel capsized and sank. The Coast Guard have dispatched divers to inspect the wreck and search the vessel for the missing person.  Authorities also state one other crew person was injured from smoke inhalation. This crew person was also on duty in the engine room at the time of the incident. The MSDF has launched an investigation into the incident.

Authorities have stated only one other minesweeper has been lost to a fire since 1966.