Tragedy in Qingdao: Cargo ship fire leaves at least 25 dead
A devastating fire that occurred this Thursday at the port of Qingdao, China, has left a tragic toll of at least 25 people dead. The incident affected the cargo ship Ocean Melody, a bulk carrier that had been at the Beihai Shipbuilding shipyard since the end of August undergoing maintenance and repair work.
Extreme challenges in rescue operations
Emergency operations faced critical obstacles due to conditions inside the vessel. Hao Xiang, assistant commander of the Qingdao fire brigade, detailed that the ship’s complex structure, which includes multiple levels, engine systems, and water pipes, significantly hindered the progress of the rescue teams.
It was too hot downstairs. The smoke and the poor grip of the stairs, covered in paint, oil, and other debris after the fire, also made moving the victims difficult.
Hao Xiang, command assistant of the Qingdao fire and rescue brigade.
To cope with the high temperatures, the rescuers worked in relay shifts every thirty minutes. The evacuation of those affected was a high-precision task, requiring the use of safety nets because many people were trapped in confined spaces or areas flooded by the extinguishing system.
Ocean Melody Details
- Vessel type: Bulk carrier.
- Year of build: 2006.
- Dimensions: 189.99 meters in length.
- Capacity: 55,742 deadweight tons.
- Flag: Liberia (registered in Monrovia).
- Shipowner: Huili Shipping Company Limited.
The fire originated at approximately 11:15 local time on Thursday and was brought under control after three hours of intense work by the fire departments. Of the 42 people who were on board at the time of the incident, the official toll confirms 25 deaths, while twelve were successfully evacuated and five remain under medical care in local hospitals.
