- A cargo fire aboard a freighter at a Canary Islands port was contained after two days of firefighting.
- The fire started in the hold while scrap metal was being loaded. Attempts to seal the hatches were hindered by damage to the electrical system.
- Most of the crew evacuated while local fire teams and seafarers worked together to control the blaze.
- Firefighting operations included water and foam, with care taken to avoid destabilizing the ship.
- The fire reignited briefly the following day but was fully contained by evening.
Firefighters successfully contained a cargo fire at a Canary Islands port after two days of effort. The fire, which broke out in a freighter’s hold during scrap metal loading, required extensive use of foam and water to prevent re-ignition. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire could have been caused by the spontaneous ignition of flammable materials in the scrap cargo, reports SAFETY4SEA.
Incident Overview
A fire erupted on a freighter docked at a Canary Islands port during the loading of scrap metal. The fire started in the cargo hold, and efforts to seal the hatches and activate the ship’s firefighting systems were hampered by electrical damage.
Most of the crew evacuated, while the remaining personnel collaborated with local fire teams to contain the blaze.
Firefighting Operations
Firefighters applied water from the shore using a ladder truck, but operations were paused overnight to avoid destabilizing the vessel. The fire briefly reignited the next day, producing dense black smoke.
Responders resumed efforts, utilizing foam and water, with additional support from a tugboat’s fire monitors. By the evening, the fire was fully under control, with no significant public risk reported by maritime authorities.
Potential Cause
Initial investigations point to the possibility of spontaneous ignition of the scrap metal cargo, potentially contaminated with flammable substances such as damaged lithium-ion batteries.
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Source: SAFETY4SEA
