A supply vessel, Ceutamar Cinco, caught fire on June 25 in the Bay of Gibraltar while delivering supplies to a container ship. The incident occurred around 5:30 PM in Spanish waters, producing thick black smoke that alarmed nearby beachgoers. All seven crew members successfully evacuated the vessel, jumping into the sea before being rescued by Spain’s maritime rescue agency, Salvamento Marítimo. Fortunately, only two crew members required treatment for mild smoke inhalation.
Emergency services swiftly activated the Port of Algeciras’ Level 2 Self-Protection Plan, deploying tugboats and firefighting vessels to combat the blaze. The vessel was towed to a nearby pier, where local firefighters ensured the fire was fully extinguished. An investigation by the Guardia Civil’s Policía Judicial unit is underway to determine the fire’s cause.
Environmental groups have raised concerns about the smoke’s potential health and environmental impacts, calling for an assessment of air quality and any possible fuel spills. Despite the fire’s severity, officials reported no marine pollution, and port operations resumed without significant delays. The charred vessel remains docked for further evaluation as investigations continue.
