Fire erupts on containership near Gujarat

Image: MarineTraffic.com/S.Seelemann
Image: MarineTraffic.com/S.Seelemann – APL Le Havre

A fire broke out on a Singapore-flagged containership in the waters near Gujarat, India, on the evening (local time) of Friday, August 9.

APL Le Havre was some 40 nautical miles off the coast and sailing towards the port of Mundra near Mumbai when the blaze erupted in one of the containers on board.

Although the Indian Coast Guard had despatched some of its vessels to the scene to assist in firefighting efforts, containing the blaze from outside the stricken vessel proved difficult due to the stormy weather and rough sea conditions.

Coast guard personnel then advised APL Le Havre‘s crew to drill holes in the burning containers so that these could be flooded with water to prevent the fire from spreading any further throughout the ship.

The fire was declared under control around four hours after it ignited. No injuries were reported among the crew.

Six containers had caught fire during the incident though there is no confirmation yet on the extent of damage sustained by the vessel.

APL Le Havre has since sailed for Mundra port with the coast guard providing escort.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze is underway.


Baird Maritime

The best maritime site on the web. The sea's our scene!