Sri Lankan Port Authority Averts Major Catastrophe By Containing Fire On Container Ship

The incident occurred on August 11, 2024, while the vessel was discharging 995 boxes and loading 880 boxes.

The fire started in the 41/43 hatch area of the vessel, affecting approximately 100 under-deck containers and 60 on-deck containers.

The fire quickly turned into an explosion, but the SLPA’s firefighting team led by the Harbour Master and supported by other port services, was able to control the situation.

H.J.K.U Kumara, the SLPA’s director of port operations, stated that the vessel docked at the terminal showed no prior signs of fire.

However, during operations, the SLPA team identified the precise location from where the smoke had started, resulting in an explosion. The firefighters responded swiftly to extinguish the fire and safely remove the damaged cargo.

The MSC CAPETOWN III, an 18-year-old container ship built in 2006 and registered under the Madeira flag, arrived in JCT from Singapore.

The ship also carried 596 out-port containers, in addition to the 995 boxes being discharged and the 880 boxes that were loaded.

The cause of the fire and the cargo’s condition are still being investigated.

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