Chamarel
Photos: Namib Times
The 135 meter long, 5900 dwt cable laying vessel Chamarel caught fire in the South Atlantic near Hentiesbaai (Henties Bay), Namibia. The fire started on the bridge quickly spreading to other sections of the vessel. The crew attempted to put out the blaze, but the fire continued to spread until the entire vessel was covered in flames and dense smoke. The vessel sent out a distress call with a nearby vessel responding. The good samaritan vessel was able to rescue the crew from the Chamarel and took them to Walwis Bay. Initial reports state there were no injuries to the crew. After the crew left the vessel, the fire continued to burn out the superstructure. The Chamarel was left adrift and most likely go ashore south of Namibia’s famous Skeleton Coast. The Chamarel was laying cable from Cape Town, South Africa to Europe for France Telecom.
