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Fire off Marado Island

Fire off Marado Island

Marado Island Fire
Photo: nate.com

On the early morning of October 12, a 129 ton fishing vessel (name not disclosed) caught fire in the East China Sea some 34 kilometers southeast of Marado Island in Seogwipo, Jeju, South Korea. The fire started in the engine room of the purse seiner and quickly spread through the vessel.  The crew alerted the South Korean Coast Guard who dispatched a helicopter along with 5 patrol boats to assist.  The Coast Guard also asked nearby vessel to aid the fishing vessel. The 27 crew members on board the fishing vessel would be later rescued by a nearby vessel.  Six crew members had sustain injuries including smoke inhalation and burns to the face and arms. They would be later transported to hospital in Jeju City for treatment.

Marado Island Fire
Photo: nate.com

Reports stated the patrol vessels arrived on the scene and used water cannons to extinguish the blaze. The extent of damage caused by the fire was not disclosed. Authorities have launched an investigation. Initial reports state the crew heard a loud bang right before the fire started.

Mediterranea

Mediterranea

Mediterranea
Photo: imbc.com

On August 14, the 292 meter long, 7500 dwt passenger cruise ship Mediterranea caught fire while arriving at pier 8 in Jeju, South Korea.  The Mediterranea had departed from Tianjin, China when smoke was spotted near the engine room. A fire had started in a machine room caused by a mechanical failure in the air conditioning system. The fire while contained below decks had spewed out toxic smoke along large section of the starboard side of the vessel.

Fortunately, the crew was able to respond quickly to the blaze.  An automated water sprinkler system was engaged and extinguished the fire.  All passengers on board were safely disembarked with no reports of injuries to the 2436 passengers on board.

Three crew suffered smoke inhalation that received emergency treatment on site. The Korean Coast Guard and local fire deparment inspected the vessel for damage and concluded the Mediterranea was cleared to proceed on its next port of call at Fukoka, Japan.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.