02 Sep 13 - 10:41
Fire spread to several containers, all contained in same bays
Maersk line has provided updates regarding the fire in two containers aboard Maersk Kampala. According to the latest updates, Maersk Kampala, situated south of the Suez Canal, continues to fight a fire in two containers in the foremost bays on the deck. The fire began at approximately 21:00 on 28 August while the vessel was heading north towards the Suez Canal.
Maersk Kampala (Photo Credit: Maersk Line)
All crew are accounted for, no injuries reported and communication with the vessel is ongoing. Tug boats with fire-fighting capability remain on the scene fighting the fire.
The fire originated in one container at the bottom of a stack before spreading to a second container. Until 31 August late morning, weather conditions prevented fire fighting tugs from getting close enough to have maximum effect. As a result the fire spread to several more containers but was contained in the two foremost bays. However, on September 1st weather improved and fire fighting tugs on scene have been able to continue soaking the area and have managed to reduce the number of containers still with fire to six, all contained in the same bays.
Importantly, the fire fighting team on board is also now well into the process of extinguishing the fire inside containers by cutting open the hot containers as well as those nearby and flooding them with water. To speed up this process, an additional fire fighting team will come aboard on evening September 2nd. Updates will be provided as soon as new information becomes available.
