Fire on Cargo Ship at China's Qingdao Port: 20 People Lost Their Lives
As a result of a fire that broke out on a foreign-flagged bulk carrier undergoing maintenance at a shipyard in Qingdao, 20 people lost their lives and 5 are missing.
A fire broke out on a foreign cargo ship undergoing maintenance at a shipyard in the port city of Qingdao in eastern China. Following the disaster, it was reported that at least 20 people lost their lives, while 5 people remain missing and search operations are ongoing.
The Outbreak of the Fire and the Response Process
A fire broke out for reasons not yet determined on a foreign-flagged bulk carrier moored at a shipyard in the eastern Chinese port city of Qingdao.
Teams intervened against the flames that started around 11:00 AM local time on Thursday, and the fire was completely extinguished by 2:30 PM in the afternoon.
Condition of the Crew and the Injured
From the ship, which had a total of 42 people on board at the time of the incident, 12 people managed to be safely evacuated.
Five injured people were taken to the hospital for treatment, and the statement indicated that their health conditions were stable.
Identity of the Ship and Its History at the Port
In a photograph shared by the Xinhua news agency, information was included that the ship's name was 'Ocean Melody'.
According to LSEG ship tracking data, the twenty-year-old Liberian-flagged bulk carrier arrived at the Qingdao shipyard on August 31 and had been staying there since that date.
Official Statements and Ongoing Operations
Information was shared that the shipyard is operated by the state-controlled China State Shipbuilding Corporation.
Following the tragic incident, Chinese President Xi Jinping gave instructions for the rescue of the missing persons and called for the comprehensive implementation of preventive measures.