A fire on Chevron’s Benguela-Belize-Lobito-Tomboco platform off Angola injured 17 people, four seriously. The incident occurred during scheduled maintenance, with the platform shut down since May 1. Chevron’s subsidiary, Cabgoc, is investigating the cause, prioritizing safety, while the platform’s production capacity remains uncertain due to the fire.
The NTSB determined that neglectful maintenance led to a severe engine failure and fire on the Ocean Navigator in Portland. Crew negligence in changing the lubricating oil caused damage to critical motor components, resulting in serious injuries and ship damage. The incident highlighted the importance of proper maintenance and crew training to prevent such disasters.
A fire on Brazil’s Petrobras’ offshore platform, set to be sold to Perenco, caused multiple injuries. The workers’ union reported the incident, which took hours to control. One worker fell and was rescued, while 13 others were injured. The platform, inactive since 2020, was part of a pending sale for redevelopment.
A fire broke out on a ro/ro cargo ship in Zeebrugge, Belgium, carrying electric cars. The crew was evacuated as firefighters battled the blaze with CO2 flooding. No injuries or pollution reported, but damage to vehicles is significant. Containment measures are in place, and the situation is closely monitored for any reflash.
The Philippine Coast Guard swiftly responded to a fire aboard the Roro Master 2 at the port of Abra de Ilog. With passengers and trucks on board, the crew managed to control the fire near the fantail. No injuries were reported, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and preparedness in maritime incidents.
Dutch responders managed to extinguish a vessel fire caused by an explosion on a boxship off Hoek van Holland. The crew of the container feeder ship Victoria L contained the fire with no reported injuries. The fire reignited later, prompting a response from a fire crew, a helicopter, and multiple boats.
The Philippine Coast Guard swiftly responded to a fire on the Castphill XV near Patungan Maragondon, Cavite. BRP Boracay rescued seven crew members, with minor injuries. CGSS Maragondon later saved five more crew members. The vessel was en route to Palawan carrying various goods. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
A fire broke out on the refrigerated cargo vessel Crystal Asia near Busan, South Korea, injuring six crew members, two critically. The fire was extinguished 8 km from the Port of Gamcheon. The remaining crew members were rescued by South Korean authorities. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Nineteen fishermen were rescued from a raft in the South Pacific after their vessel caught fire and sank. The crew abandoned ship into life rafts before it capsized and sank. Prompt communication between vessels and SAR authorities played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the fishermen.
The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre in Surat Thani province received a distress call from the Koh Tao Rescue Centre on March 16 at 9:25 am, reporting a fire on a tour boat named Davy Jones Locker. The boat was carrying 22 people on a diving excursion around Koh Tao. The authorities launched rescue operation.
A recent fire incident on the Chinese fishing vessel, Dae Jin, at Suva Harbor in Fiji has raised concerns about marine safety. The 24-year-old longliner had just finished unloading its catch when a fire broke out in the engine room. All 12 crew members escaped with minor injuries. Authorities are investigating the cause.
A fire on the Stena Immaculate oil tanker in the North Sea has been greatly reduced, with salvage operations beginning. The incident occurred when the container ship Solong struck the tanker. Crowley is working with U.K. agencies to support response efforts and mitigate environmental impact. Boskalis has been tasked with salvaging the tanker.
A crew member shared a terrifying ordeal when their ship was hit by the Solong, which continued to collide for what felt like an eternity. With no one on the other vessel’s bridge, flames erupted, prompting the crew to don protective gear and fight the fire. Despite the chaos, their quick response and training saved lives.
Grimaldi’s Conro Grande Brasile was towed to port after a fire in the English Channel. The crew evacuated safely as salvage tugs brought the ship to Antwerp. Boskalis’ Smit unit oversaw the operation, with scorching visible near the funnel. Another fire on Grande Congo raised concerns, prompting changes in handling hazardous cargo.
A tragic engine compartment fire at Barbours Cut Marine Terminal in Laporte, Texas, on January 8, 2024, caused by a valve installation error during maintenance, led to one crew member’s death and serious injuries to another. NTSB investigation revealed the installation mistake that resulted in a cascade of events leading to the fatal fire.
