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Tag: Fire

Sur Este 709

Sur Este 709

Sur Este 709
Photo: twitter

The 58 meter long, 800 dwt fishing vessel Sur Este 709 caught fire while berthed in Montevideo, Uruguay. The fire started in the fish processing compartment and quickly intensified by the stored packing materials in the compartment. The crew Sur Este 709 was unable to contain the blaze and local fire fighters arrived on scene. Fire fighters tried to contain the fire, but the fire had now spread through most of the superstructure. Authorities evacuated the pier and nearby vessels from the possible dangers of the fire spreading and the toxic dense smoke emitting from the holds of the trawler.

 

A short time later tugs were requested to tow the trawler away from the docks.  Authorities feared there was a strong threat of explosion from ammonia cylinder tankers stored on board. The trawler was towed some 300 meters away from the piers to a nearby anchorage where tugs and fire boats continued fire fighting efforts through out the night.

The Sur Este 709 became so waterlogged that it capsized and partially sank on its port side. Authorities placed booms around the trawler to contain any pollution released. Reports state the fire has gutted the vessel and it is a constructive loss.  No reports of injuries.

Asuka II

Asuka II

Asuka II
Photo: kyodonews.net

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.

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.

Höegh Xiamen

Höegh Xiamen

Hoegh Xiamen
Photo: Jacksonville Fire Dept.

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.

Authorities are monitoring the Höegh Xiamen for structural integrity and any potential pollution release. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.