18 crewmembers of a Belize-flagged general cargo vessel have been evacuated after their ship caught fire off Italy. No injuries have been reported.
The 8,900 dwt ship, named Hala B, was anchored near the Port of Chioggia when the fire started in the engine room in the evening hours of February Tuesday, according to Italy’s coast guard, the Guardia Costiera.
Firefighters were immediately sent to the scene to extinguish the fire with the help of tugs and hydrants, the country’s agency for fire and rescue service, Vigili del Fuoco said.
At the time of the incident, the 1985-built ship was loaded with timber.
An investigation into the exact cause of the incident has been launched.
The 5,586 gross ton Hala B, previously known as South Star, is owned by GMZ Ship Management.
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