The 197 meter long, 58695 dwt bulk carrier Global Laguna caught fire while berthed at Iskenderun, Turkey. The vessel was unloading 45,000 tons of scrap from the Netherlands when fire broke out in the hold. Local fire fighters and tugs responded to the scene and brought the blaze under control. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On January 14, the 89 meter long general cargo vessel Retaj caught fire while off Iskenderun, Turkey. The Retaj was loaded with a cargo of hay which caught fire. The 23 crew members on board abandoned ship and safely rescued. Fireboats pulled alongside the burning cargo ship and towed the Retaj to a nearby quay where local firefighters attempted to contain the blaze. The firefighters were able bring the fire under control the following day assisted by rain and efforts of the fireboats. Damage to the Retaj left the superstructure scorched and cargo destroyed.
