Blaze at Yeosu Port: Oil Tanker and Cargo Ship Catch Fire: One Dead
South Korea:
A tragic fire broke out early Saturday morning at the southern port city of Yeosu in South Korea, leaving one person dead and two others injured. The blaze, which erupted on an oil tanker and a cargo ship moored side by side, sent shockwaves through the busy harbour and prompted an urgent response from the Coast Guard and local emergency services.
According to the Yeosu Coast Guard, the incident took place around 6:45 a.m. when flames were spotted on both vessels. The ships involved were identified as a 2,692-ton oil tanker and a much smaller 24-ton cargo ship. Both had been stationed next to each other at the port when the fire suddenly ignited, rapidly spreading across their decks.
Nearby ships witnessed the fire and immediately alerted the Coast Guard. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, fearing a larger disaster given the nature of the chemicals stored on board. Authorities reported that the tanker was carrying around 2,500 tons of toxic chemicals, raising concerns about possible spillage into the sea. Fortunately, no immediate leak was confirmed.
A total of 18 crew members were onboard the two vessels at the time of the accident—14 on the tanker and 4 on the cargo ship. Rescuers acted quickly to evacuate all personnel. Despite these efforts, tragedy struck when the captain of the smaller cargo vessel was found unconscious during the evacuation. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later declared dead. His identity has not been released pending notification of his family.
In addition, two crew members from the tanker sustained burn injuries. Both men were immediately transported to a local hospital where they are currently receiving treatment. Officials described their condition as stable but serious, as they suffered second-degree burns while trying to escape the flames.
The fire itself raged for nearly an hour before it was brought under control. With the combined efforts of the Coast Guard, fire brigades, and port authorities, the flames were finally extinguished by 7:45 a.m. A thick cloud of black smoke lingered over the port for some time, but no further injuries were reported among rescuers or nearby residents.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the fire. As of now, the exact reason for the sudden blaze remains unclear. The possibility of a chemical reaction, a technical fault, or human error has not been ruled out. Investigators will also examine whether safety regulations were properly followed, particularly given the presence of hazardous materials aboard the tanker.
The Coast Guard assured the public that strict monitoring of the surrounding waters is underway to check for any signs of chemical leakage. Specialists are on-site conducting tests, as even a minor spill could have significant environmental consequences for Yeosu’s marine ecosystem. The port is a vital hub for South Korea’s shipping and fishing industries, making safety concerns especially urgent.
Local residents expressed shock at the incident, as Yeosu has long been a center for shipping and chemical transport. While accidents are not unheard of in the region, the scale of the fire and the tragic loss of life have reignited calls for stricter safety measures in handling dangerous cargo at sea.
South Korean authorities, including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, are expected to review current safety protocols for oil tankers and chemical transport ships in light of this accident. Experts warn that as maritime trade grows, the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials also increase.
For now, the port of Yeosu is operating under heightened alert. Extra safety inspections are being carried out on ships docked in the area to prevent similar incidents. Meanwhile, the families of the deceased captain and the injured crew members are receiving support from both local officials and fellow sailors.
The tragedy in Yeosu serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced daily by those working at sea. As investigations continue, authorities hope to uncover the cause of the fire and implement measures to ensure such an incident does not repeat.
Author: shipping inbox
shipping and maritime related web portal
