Cargo Ship Fire Off Coast of Netherlands Results in One Fatality and Multiple Injuries

A cargo ship carrying nearly 3,000 vehicles caught fire off the Dutch coast, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. The Panama-registered Fremantle Highway, on its way from Germany to Egypt, experienced the blaze, which broke out on Tuesday night. Some crew members had to jump overboard to escape the flames.

The ship’s owner, Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd, suspects that an electric car in the cargo might have caused the fire. However, the exact cause is yet to be confirmed pending an investigation. Efforts to extinguish the fire were underway in collaboration with local authorities, salvors, and the ship management company.

Rescue teams sprayed water on the burning vessel to cool it down, but there was a risk of the ship sinking if too much water was used. A salvage vessel was connected to prevent the ship from drifting. The Dutch coastguard warned that the fire could continue for several days, and the ship was being cooled to maintain stability.

As the Fremantle Highway was towed out of shipping lanes, there were concerns about its potential sinking. It currently lies close to Ameland, one of the ecologically sensitive Frisian islands, designated as a Unesco world heritage site due to its diverse aquatic and terrestrial species.

Should the ship sink, it could have severe environmental consequences for the area. The Royal Dutch Rescue Company (KNRM) reported that the fire spread rapidly, leading to crew members jumping overboard. One crew member tragically lost their life in the fire, and the rest were airlifted to safety by a helicopter.

The injured crew members received treatment for various injuries, including breathing problems, burns, and broken bones. Salvage experts were assessing the situation and considering the next steps for the burning ship.

This incident adds to a series of recent fires on car carriers, with similar accidents occurring earlier, causing casualties and significant damage to vehicles.