- Fire erupts on a cargo ship berthed at Port Hedland overnight.
- A number of firefighters have been directed to self-isolate after battling the fire.
- The ship’s crew had not yet been given permission to disembark under Western Australia’s COVID-19 laws.
A recent news article published in the ABC News reveals that firefighters were forced into COVID isolation after fire on cargo ship off WA coast.
What happened?
A number of firefighters have been directed to self-isolate after battling a fire on a cargo ship berthed at Port Hedland overnight.
Fire crews who attended the blaze say they were told the ship’s crew had not yet been given permission to disembark under Western Australia’s COVID-19 laws.
As a result of possible contact with the crew, the firefighters and their close contacts have been told to self-isolate.
Smoke warning issued
A smoke warning was issued for Port Hedland after the fire broke out, with both volunteer and career firefighters attending the scene.
The blaze was brought under control.
The ABC understands the cargo ship involved is the BBC Rhonetal, which came from China.
Necessary precautions taken
A spokesperson for the port said the necessary precautions had been taken.
“Pilbara Ports Authority followed all COVID-19 protocols,” they said.
WA Health has been contacted for comment.
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Source: ABC News
