Fire ignites on berthed sightseeing ship in Shanghai

Chinese news outlets report that a fire broke out on a berthed sailing tour boat in the Huangpu River in Shanghai on Saturday, February 15.

The incident involving the tour boat Chuanzhang 8 occurred at around 14:00 local time on Saturday when a blaze ignited on the vessel's upper deck.

Eyewitnesses reportedly saw flames in some areas of the upper deck, which later became engulfed in thick, black smoke.

Firefighters and rescue personnel and some Good Samaritan boats subsequently arrived at the scene to render assistance. The boats and the firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze as rescuers evacuated the four crewmembers who were on board.

One crewmember suffered injuries and was later brought to hospital.

Two patrol boats and a tug had also arrived at the scene to ensure the continuous flow of vessel traffic even while the firefighting and rescue operation was underway.

Officials said Chuanzhang 8 was in a "non-operational state" with no embarked passengers when the incident occurred.