On Thursday 4th June around 1600 hrs shortly after the HOEGH XIAMEN had completed loading operations at Blount Island, Port of Jacksonville, USA fire started aboard of which Authorities believe the fire broke out on the ship’s seventh deck before spreading through several other levels up to the 11th deck. All 21 crew members disembarked with no injuries.
Firefighters with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) and specialist marine firefighters with Resolve Marine Group were working to maintain the structural integrity of the vehicle carrier and reduce the threat of any environmental impact to the river. Containment booms have been placed around the vessel as a precautionary measure, though no pollution has been reported.
More than 120 firefighters responded to the fire blaze of which 8 firefighters were injured after an explosion occured including two with serious burn injuries during fire fighting.
Built in China by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry at Xiamen as XIA CHUAN 38 in 2010 flying a Norwegian Flag, the HOEGH XIAMEN is owned by Höegh Autoliners and currently operated via vessel charter by Grimaldi Group. She has a capacity of 4,900 CEU’s.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
Watermarked Photos are by Capt. Lawrence Dalli. Do not use these images without my permission. © All rights reserved. Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos – www.maltashipphotos.com
Published – Thursday 11th June, 2020
