Browsed by
Tag: Fire

Maersk Honam

Maersk Honam

Maersk Honam
Photo: Indian Coast Guard

On March 6, the 353 meter long, 162051 dwt container ship Maersk Honam caught fire in the Arabian Sea near the Agatti Islands. The Maersk Honam had departed from Singapore and was enroute to the Suez Canal when fire broke out in the one of the containers in the cargo hold. The 27 crew on board began fire fighting efforts to contain the blaze, but the fire quickly spread to other containers. Flames engulfed the main deck and the fire was out of control. The Maersk Honam sent out a distress call before the crew abandoned ship.  Twenty-three crew members were later rescued by the cargo vessel ALS Cicero responding.  Several crew members had sustained injuries and required medical attention. Four crew were reported as missing and presumed to be still on the Maersk Honam.

Vessels on scene with the Maersk Honam reported several explosions from the intense fire on the container ship.  Flames from the main deck reached 25 meters high nearly reaching the Maersk Honam’s bridge.

Indian Coast Guard has launched search and rescue operations to find the missing crew. Specialized vessels have been dispatched to assist while authorities coordinate salvage efforts with the vessel’s owners.

Leland Speaks

Leland Speaks

Leland Speaks

On February 22, the 18 meter long towboat Leland Speaks caught fire on the Mississippi River near Greenville, Mississippi. The Leland Speaks was pushing 21 barges when fire broke out on the towboat. The crew was unable to extinguish the blaze and requested assistance. Local towboats responded and rescued the eight crew.  No reports of injuries. The towboats pushed the burning Leland Speaks aground near the riverbank. No reports of pollution released.  The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Michael Putra

Michael Putra

Michael Putra
Photo: tribunnews.com

On February 28, the 63 meter long, 1534 dwt cargo vessel Michael Putra caught fire in the Java Sea off Bangka Belitung Islands, Indonesia. The Michael Putra was headed for Bintan Island with general cargo along with 17 vehicles and 36 motorbikes when a fire started in the cargo hold. The crew attempted to extinguish the blaze, but as they fought the fire there was an explosion. The master ordered the crew to abandon ship into the vessel’s liferaft.  The survivors were rescued 2 hours later by passing fishermen.  The fishermen rescued all 16 crew and 2 passengers on board. No reports of injuries.

Crewmen reported hearing several explosions from the cargo deck of the Michael Putra while waiting to be rescued.  Authorities state the Michael Putra was last reported as still burning and adrift. Salvage may be an option if the fire can be extinguished on the Michael Putra. The general cargo and vehicles on board are a total loss.