A fire broke out on a cargo ship sailing near the Dutch island of Ameland in the north of the country shortly before midnight on Tuesday. After first trying to extinguish the blaze, the fire spread forcing the crew to completely abandon ship. One member died in the process.
In what has become a major maritime emergency, the 200 metre-long ship was on its way from Germany to Egypt with a cargo of 3,000 vehicles – around 25 of which were electric cars. It is believed that one of these electric vehicles caught fire in the cavernous hold.
Whilst crew initially tried to contain the fire, it quickly grew out of control and the decision was taken to entirely evacuate the vessel. Six of the crew jumped overboard after consultation with the Dutch coastguard, a spokesperson confirmed to Dutch news agency ANP.
Lifeboats were waiting for the crew and others were taken to land by helicopter. But one member died in the event; the exact circumstances are still not clear. The condition of the remaining members is believed to be stable and non-critical. Some are being treated in local hospitals with respiratory issues.
Boven Ameland. Nu. pic.twitter.com/DO1OK5uC61
— EMK-vissers (@EMKvissers) July 26, 2023
The Panamanian vessel, named Fremantle Highway, is now in danger of sinking. Fireboats and aircraft are currently attending the scene but the severity of the blaze has meant that no firefighters boarded the ship.
The coastguard is also trying to prevent the vessel from sinking and efforts have been made to pull it outside the busy shipping route. Salvage companies are also involved in the operation, to avoid major environmental damage.
