Cargo Ship Catches Fire at Porbandar Port: Crew Rescued Safely
A major fire broke out on a cargo ship based in Jamnagar at Porbandar Port in Gujarat on Monday morning, sparking panic and a large-scale emergency response. The vessel, identified as PDI 1383 Haridasran, was carrying a heavy load of rice and sugar when flames suddenly engulfed it. Thankfully, all 14 crew members on board were safely evacuated in time, and no casualties were reported.
The ship had been loaded with 950 tonnes of rice and 78 tonnes of sugar, making it one of the larger consignments handled at the port in recent weeks. Witnesses reported that the blaze spread with alarming speed, and within minutes, thick black smoke filled the sky. Flames shot up from the vessel’s deck, visible from a considerable distance, and alarms were sounded across the port area.
Port authorities, fearing that the fire could spread to nearby ships or port infrastructure, immediately began a coordinated rescue and firefighting effort. The first priority was to save the lives of the crew. Rescue teams rushed to the burning vessel and guided all 14 men to safety. Medical checks later confirmed that none of them suffered injuries.
Once the evacuation was complete, authorities took the difficult decision to tow the ship out of the harbour. Using tugboats, the burning cargo vessel was pulled away from the port and taken into open waters. Officials explained that this step was necessary to prevent the fire from spreading to other docked ships, warehouses, and fuel storage facilities. The port remained on high alert throughout the day as emergency teams worked to contain the crisis.
Firefighters, assisted by specialised equipment and support vessels, battled the blaze in the open sea. According to officials, the fire was extremely challenging to control because of the massive load of rice and sugar in the ship’s hold. Both commodities, though not flammable in their raw form, added to the intensity of the blaze once exposed to flames. Despite their efforts, the ship sustained severe damage. Parts of its structure were charred, and large portions of its cargo were destroyed.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the fire. A detailed investigation has been launched, with marine safety experts and forensic teams examining the possible reasons. Early theories suggest that an electrical fault, engine malfunction, or even a small spark near stored cargo could have triggered the blaze. Officials are also checking if proper fire safety equipment was present on board and whether the crew followed all safety procedures before the incident.
Even after the flames were largely brought under control, relief teams remained at the site. Cooling operations continued for hours to ensure that no hidden sparks reignited the blaze. Fire officers said the situation remained sensitive, as smouldering cargo can easily flare up again if not properly monitored. Patrol vessels and emergency boats circled the damaged ship as a precaution.
The incident has raised questions about safety measures at Gujarat’s ports, many of which handle heavy cargo traffic daily. Porbandar Port, located along the Arabian Sea, is a key point for trade and transport in the state. Residents, many of whom witnessed the fire from the shoreline, expressed concern about the risks posed by such accidents, especially given the port’s proximity to the city.
For the owners of PDI 1383 Haridasran, the future of the vessel remains uncertain. Marine engineers will need to examine whether the ship can be repaired or if it has been damaged beyond use. Insurance claims and cargo losses are also expected to follow in the coming weeks. Traders connected with the shipment of rice and sugar have already begun assessing the scale of financial damage.
Despite the destruction, officials and locals alike have found relief in the fact that no lives were lost. Rescue teams were praised for their swift response, which ensured that all crew members escaped without harm. Experts noted that the decision to tow the burning ship into open waters was crucial in preventing a much larger disaster.
As of Monday evening, the charred remains of the ship still floated under watchful eyes in the sea off Porbandar. Authorities said they would continue monitoring the vessel until it is declared safe. The probe into the cause of the fire is expected to take several days. Meanwhile, port officials are reviewing emergency protocols to strengthen their readiness for similar situations in the future.
The fire at Porbandar has once again highlighted the challenges of maritime safety, especially in ports that handle heavy cargo loads. While the incident ended without loss of life, it serves as a reminder that preparedness and strict adherence to safety standards remain vital for India’s busy shipping sector.
Author: shipping inbox
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