Twenty-five people have died after a fire broke out aboard the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Ocean Melody at a shipyard in Qingdao, China.
The fire started at about 11:15 local time on September 10. The bulk carrier was undergoing repairs and inspection at Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). Forty-two people were aboard at the time.
Twelve people escaped safely. Five others went to hospital with injuries. Firefighters brought the blaze under control at about 2:30 pm.
Rescuers later found all 25 people who had been reported missing. None showed signs of life.
MV Ocean Melody is a 2006-built Supramax bulk carrier of about 55,700 dwt. The vessel arrived at the Qingdao yard on August 31 for repairs. Huili Shipping is the registered owner, while Yuyangkunpeng Shanghai Ship Management manages the vessel.
Authorities have not disclosed the cause of the fire. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an investigation and called for those responsible to be held accountable. The Ministry of Emergency Management also sent a team to Qingdao to assist with the response.
The accident has renewed attention on fire risks during ship repairs. China’s fire and rescue authorities have called for stronger inspections and better emergency procedures and training.
Fires aboard vessels under repair or alongside can spread quickly. Smoke, heat and confined spaces can also make rescue operations more difficult.
Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding is one of CSSC’s major shipbuilding and repair facilities. Its Qingdao yard handles newbuildings, conversions and repairs and can accommodate large vessels.
