Maersk Kampala fire is out         04 September 2013

The fire-fighting teams aboard the Maersk Kampala have succeeded in putting out the fire aboard the Maersk Kampala.

Some smoke continues to come from some of the containers that had fire but will stop eventually with continued spraying by the tugs and flooding by the fire-fighting teams.

Operational planning is now the priority, including port selection, contingency planning for cargo as well as the vessel’s eventual return to service.

Update 3: Fire in two containers aboard Maersk Kampala         02 September 2013

The Maersk Kampala, situated south of the Suez Canal, continues to fight a fire in the two foremost cargo bays of the vessel. Crew are all accounted for and safe in the accomodation area with no injuries reported.

The fire originated in one container at the bottom of a stack before spreading to a second container. On Friday evening into Saturday late morning weather conditions prevented fire fighting tugs from getting close enough to have maximum effect. As a result the fire spread to several more containers but was contained in the two foremost bays. Saturday and Sunday saw weather improve and fire fighting tugs on scene have been able to continue soaking the area and have managed to reduce the number of containers still with fire to six, all contained in the same bays.

Importantly, the fire fighting team on board is also now well into the process of extinguishing the fire inside containers by cutting open the hot containers as well as those nearby and flooding them with water. To speed up this process, an additional fire fighting team will come aboard this evening.Updates will be provided as soon as new information becomes available.

Update 2: Fire in two containers aboard Maersk Kampala         30 August 2013

Maersk Kampala, situated south of the Suez Canal, continues to fight a fire in two containers in the foremost bays on the deck.

The fire began at approximately 21:00 on 28 August while the vessel was heading north towards the Suez Canal. All crew are accounted for, no injuries reported and communication with the vessel is ongoing.

Tug boats with fire-fighting capability remain on the scene fighting the fire. The additional fire-fighting team has been delayed due to a breakdown in the tug hired to take them to the vessel. They will now arrive this evening.

Updates will be provided as soon as new information becomes available.

Update 1: Fire in two containers aboard Maersk Kampala         30 August 2013

Maersk Kampala, situated south of the Suez Canal, continues to fight a fire in two containers in the foremost bays on the deck. The fire began at approximately 21:00 on 28 August while the vessel was heading north towards the Suez Canal. All crew are accounted for, no injuries reported and communication with the vessel is ongoing.

Tug boats with fire-fighting capability remain on the scene fighting the fire. An additional fire-fighting team will arrive this afternoon to help with the effort. Updates will be provided as soon as new information becomes available.

Fire in two containers aboard Maersk Kampala         29 August 2013

Maersk Line can confirm that the Maersk Kampala is presently fighting a fire in two containers within the foremost bays on deck. The vessel is fully maneuverable but drifting south of the Suez Canal. All crew are accounted for and no injuries reported and communication with the vessel is ongoing. Tug boats with fire-fighting capability are on the scene fighting the fire. In addition, a fire fighting team will arrive this evening to provide further assistance. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

Maersk Line Press Release