A recent fire event involving a general cargo carrier in Spain highlights the importance of portside safety protocols, although the blaze was successfully extinguished without casualties or environmental damage.
Incident Summary
The incident occurred on 18th October at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time. The fire broke out while the general cargo vessel was docked at the port of Escombreras, located in Cartagena, Spain. The blaze ignited on tarps covering a cargo of engines within one of the carrier’s holds. The fire developed simultaneously in two adjacent but distinct sections of the cargo hold. The vessel involved was built in 2012, has an overall length of 138.1 meters, and operates under the flag of Antigua & Barbuda.
Response and Outcome
The response involved both internal vessel crew and local emergency services, leading to a prompt resolution of the incident.
- Personnel aboard the vessel immediately deployed two hose lines in an attempt to combat the fire.
- Responders from the Cartagena City Council’s Fire and Rescue Service quickly arrived on the scene, assisted by the Port Police and the Civil Guard.
- The combined firefighting forces declared the fire extinguished by 3:00 p.m.
- Crucially, the blaze was brought under control with no reported injuries to personnel and no pollution caused to the port area.
Suspected Origin
While the investigation is ongoing, current speculation points toward specific work being conducted nearby as the cause.
- Current conjecture suggests the fire originated from oxyacetylene cutting work being performed in the area of the cargo.
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Source: Marine Traffic
