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Tag: Fire

KM Barcelona VA

KM Barcelona VA

KM Barcelona 5
Photo: liputan6.com

On the afternoon of July 20, the passenger ferry KM Barcelona VA (MMSI: 525301973) caught fire in the Celebes Sea off the northern coast of Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. The KM Barcelona VA departed from the Talaud Islands headed for Manado with approximately 300 passengers when a fire broke out in the upper deck of the ferry.  Thick black smoke billowed out of the superstructure as fire spread through out the vessel. Both crew and passengers were forced to jump into sea as the fire gutted the ferry.

The Indonesian Navy, Coast Guard and local fishermen all engaged in a search and rescue mission looking for survivors. Reports state that 284 people were rescued along the 5 bodies were recovered. Authorities continued to search for survivors as the total number of passengers and crew was not known.

Last report stated the KM Barcelona VA remained afloat after the fire was extinguished and would be taken under tow.  Authorities have not reported the cause of the fire. News reports state the KM Barcelona VA had been delayed prior to its scheduled departure. There is some speculation the ferry was not in working order when it left port.

 

Balder

Balder

Balder
Photo: ad.nl

On the afternoon of July 18, the 98 meter long self-propelled barge Balder (MMSI: 244660032) caught fire on the Oude Maas River near Rhoon, Netherlands.  The Balder was en route to Duisburg with a cargo of coal when a fire broke out in the engine room. The fire released dense smoke making it impossible for the 3 crew to access the engine room.  The crew alerted the local fire brigade to assist. Unable to steer and moor the Balder, the fire brigade had to be transported over to the vessel. Assisted by a fireboat, the fire fighters were able to extinguish the blaze in short time. The fire fighters then ventilated the engine room. No reports of injuries to the crew and the vessel’s dog.

Balder

Reports stated the Balder was taken under tow and berthed in Rotterdam.  The water police has launched an investigation into the incident. The cause of the fire was not disclosed.

FWN Adriatic

FWN Adriatic

FWN Adriatic
Photo: pzc.nl

On the morning of July 16, the 144 meter long cargo vessel FWN Adriatic (IMO: 9970533) caught fire while berthed in Antwerp, Belgium. The fire broke out in the cargo hold loaded with plasterboard and vehicles that released dense smoke. The local fire brigade was called out and began extinguishing the blaze from the quay assisted by a fireboat. Fire fighters proceeded to close the cargo hold hatches and then pumped carbon dioxide gas into the hold to smother the flames.  The fire fighters expected the blaze to be extinguished after several hours, but the fire continued to smolder overnight.  As of July 17, the fire had not yet been extinguished on the FWN Adriatic.

Authorities issued an alert to nearby residents to keep their windows and doors shut due to the smoke.  No reports of any injuries.