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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.

Thomas Dann

Thomas Dann

Thomas Dann
Photo: flaglerlive.com

The 31 meter long tugboat Thomas Dann caught fire off Marineland near Jacksonville, Florida. The crew alerted the Coast Guard that the tug was on fire.  The crew was able to decouple the tug from the barge before the blaze  force the crew to abandon ship into the vessel’s life raft. The six crew were later picked up by a nearby fishing boat. The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter to the scene and was monitoring the area until a fireboat from Jacksonville could arrive on site. No reports of injuries.

Patrol Boat Aground

Patrol Boat Aground

Patrol Vessel 414
Photo: Thomas Contracting / thomasdiving.com

On February 11, the 41 foot long United States Navy patrol vessel 414 ran aground on the southern jetty at the entrance to St. Johns River near Jacksonville, Florida. The patrol vessel was returning from patrol and proceeding to the Mayport Naval Station when it ran onto the jetty.  The five crew on board the 414 were uninjured and rescuers were able to bring the crew ashore safely.  The patrol vessel sustained hull damage and water ingress.  Reports state salvage efforts were underway.