Smouldering coal cargo fire in several holds on bulk carrier Belo Horizonte

Location: UK Harbour area.

Completed PE Summary: Belo Horizonte

A short summary of the accident and action taken:

Merchant Vessel/Accident Details
Vessel name Belo Horizonte
Registered Owner/Manager Cido Shipping (HK) Co.Ltd
Port of Registry Hong Kong
Flag Hong Kong
Type Dry cargo vessel
Built 2004
Construction Steel
Length Overall 225m
Gross Tonnage 40300
Date/Time 14/09/2005, 1500
Location of Incident Harbour area
Incident Type Cargo fire
Persons Onboard 22
Injuries/Fatalities None
Damage/Pollution Minor damage

Synopsis

A smouldering coal cargo fire was discovered in several holds when this bulk carrier arrived at her UK discharge port. The fire was extinguished without material damage to the ship.

Action taken

To prevent a similar accident occurring in the future the manager of the vessel was advised to:

  • Improve the knowledge and training of senior officers with respect to the carriage of coal cargoes.

  • Review the procedure for the Safe Carriage of coal in their Safety Management System. The procedure should include the danger of fire and should require the master and mate to apply the relevant parts of the BC Code.


Published 23 January 2015