Firefighters Remain on Watch After Cargo Ship Fire in Southampton
Southampton, UK – Firefighters continue to monitor a cargo ship at Southampton’s docks after a blaze broke out in its hold on Friday evening, sparking a large-scale emergency response and raising safety concerns in one of Britain’s busiest ports.
The incident occurred on board the Hong Kong-registered bulk carrier Qing Hua Shan, which had been berthed at the docks when the fire started. According to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, the blaze erupted at around 6:00 pm BST in a pile of scrap metal stored deep inside the ship’s hold.
More than 40 firefighters were immediately deployed to the site as thick smoke was reported rising from the vessel. Fire crews worked into the night, using specialist equipment and thermal imaging cameras to bring the situation under control. By Saturday morning, the number of firefighters had been reduced, but the service confirmed that teams would remain at the port until at least Sunday as a precautionary measure.
“All crew members from the vessel have been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries,” a spokesperson for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said. “Although the situation has been scaled down, we are maintaining a presence at the docks to ensure there is no risk of re-ignition.”
The Qing Hua Shan, a large bulk carrier registered in Hong Kong, was carrying scrap metal when the fire broke out. Fires involving scrap cargo are notoriously difficult to manage, as the materials can trap heat and reignite even after being doused. Firefighters faced the added challenge of working in a confined hold, where access is restricted and visibility limited.
Port authorities moved quickly to secure the surrounding area, coordinating closely with the ship’s crew and emergency services. Tugboats and dockside staff stood ready in case the ship needed to be moved away from the berth. At no point, however, was there any indication that the blaze threatened other vessels or port operations.
Onlookers gathered at vantage points around Southampton Water on Friday evening, watching plumes of smoke rising from the docks. Several described seeing emergency vehicles rushing towards the port in response to the alarm. “It looked serious at first with all the fire engines coming in, but then it seemed to be under control quite quickly,” said one resident from nearby Ocean Village.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks posed by scrap metal cargoes. Such shipments, while common, are prone to what experts call “hot spot” fires – slow-burning patches that can smoulder for days before flaring up. Combustible materials such as oils, plastics, or chemical residues mixed in with the scrap can exacerbate the problem.
For firefighters, tackling this type of blaze requires both patience and caution. Crews often need to separate and cool the material to fully extinguish it, a process made more complex when the cargo is stacked deep inside a ship. Thermal imaging equipment is used to detect hidden heat pockets, while constant monitoring ensures the fire does not reignite once crews withdraw.
A port spokesperson praised the quick response of emergency services, saying: “The safety of crew, port workers, and the public is always our top priority. We are grateful to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service for their swift and professional action. Thanks to their efforts, the fire has been contained and there has been no disruption to other operations within the port.”
As of Saturday evening, firefighters remained on board the Qing Hua Shan and on the dockside. Their task is now mainly one of vigilance, ensuring that the smouldering scrap does not ignite again. Portable pumps and hoses remain in place, and fire engines are stationed nearby as a standby measure.
For the crew of the Qing Hua Shan, relief was evident after confirmation that none had been harmed. Shipping agents have begun assessing the extent of the damage and working with insurers to determine next steps. While the incident did not cause injuries or significant structural harm to the ship, investigations will look into how the fire started and whether cargo handling procedures require review.
Residents of Southampton, long familiar with the comings and goings of vessels at the busy docks, expressed both concern and reassurance. Concern at the potential danger of a shipboard fire in the heart of the city’s maritime hub, but reassurance that the situation had been handled swiftly and effectively.
By Sunday, it is expected that firefighters will hand the site fully back to the ship’s operators. Until then, their presence remains a precautionary safeguard, ensuring that what could have been a serious maritime emergency remains a contained incident.
For Southampton, the episode serves as a reminder of the risks tied to global shipping and the constant vigilance required to keep the port – and the city it serves – safe.
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