MOL Prosperity fire investigation launched
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fire department officers in Hong Kong have launched an investigation
into a blaze onboard the 6,350 teu boxship MOL Prosperity after it
emerged the fire started in a container of dry freight rather than
dangerous goods.
Marine Department spokesman Patrick Wong told Lloyds List that
initially dangerous goods were suspected because smoke was seen
escaping from the hatch of number six hold where there were three
International Maritime Organization class three tanktainers.
But he added: It is now clear that the fire started and was
essentially contained in number seven hold in which there were no
dangerous goods. While the ships fire detection unit initially showed
fire in number six and seven holds that could not rule out dangerous
goods might be involved, subsequent events indicate that it is
unlikely that dangerous goods played any part in this fire.
This was confirmed by Fire Department spokesperson Joyce Yip who said
the container where the fire is believed to have started contained
garments, suitcases and other goods.
Ms Yip said it was unclear how the fire started in a shipment of inert
goods.
Source: Lloyd's List
Topic: MOL boxship ablaze off Hong Kong (Read 6160 times)