Watch: Supply Vessel Catches Fire In Bay Of Gibraltar, All 7 Crew Rescued

A supply vessel caught fire on Wednesday afternoon, June 25, in the Bay of Gibraltar near the Port of Algeciras. The vessel, named Ceutamar Cinco and locally registered in Spain, was alongside a container ship to deliver supplies when flames broke out around 5:30 p.m.

The incident happened within Spanish waters while the containership was receiving services. As the fire spread quickly, thick black smoke rose above the bay, drawing attention from beachgoers and residents in areas like Los Barrios and Palmones.

Realising the danger, all seven crew members onboard managed to steer the burning vessel away from the larger ship before jumping into the sea. They were rescued shortly after by teams from Spain’s maritime rescue agency, Salvamento Marítimo.

No serious injuries were reported, although two crew members were treated for mild smoke inhalation on-site but did not require hospital care.

The Ceutamar Cinco, operated by Marítima Velum, is typically used for underwater inspection and maintenance tasks. It was servicing a containership when the fire broke out. Witnesses reported seeing flames and hearing what sounded like explosions from the vessel.

Incendio en una gabarra que suministraba a un buque en la bahía de Algeciras.

F J Benítez pic.twitter.com/aPWv7d8Bcw

— Campo Gibraltar 24 horas (@Campogib24horas) June 25, 2025

Emergency services responded immediately. The Port of Algeciras activated its Level 2 Self-Protection Plan and the Maritime Interior Plan, anticipating possible risks such as a fuel spill.

Salvamento Marítimo and the Algeciras Port Authority dispatched tugboats and firefighting vessels to tackle the blaze. The vessel was eventually towed to a nearby pier, where local firefighters cooled down the wreck and ensured the fire was completely extinguished.

Authorities from the Guardia Civil’s Policía Judicial unit and the Port of Algeciras have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. The exaxt cause of the incident remains unknown.

Officials in Gibraltar were quick to respond as well. The Gibraltar Port Authority contacted Spanish authorities to offer assistance, but the offer was declined. The Government of Gibraltar confirmed that there was no pollution reported within its waters and said it remained on standby in case support was needed.

The Gibraltar-based Environmental Safety Group expressed concern over the heavy smoke and its possible health and environmental effects. The group said it would seek more information about the fire and called for answers regarding the source of the smoke and its impacts on air quality.

Video Credits: Ships at The Strait of Gibraltar/YouTube

Spanish environmental group Verdemar Ecologistas en Acción criticised the increase in ship emissions in the Strait of Gibraltar and claimed these emissions are becoming unbearable for coastal communities. They linked the situation to violations of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to life and family life.

Verdemar is requesting an environmental impact assessment to determine whether there was any fuel spill or lasting air pollution from the incident. They highlighted the risk of harmful pollutants like soot, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides, which can travel inland due to strong winds and affect both public health and marine ecosystems.

Despite the scale of the fire, officials confirmed that no marine pollution was detected, and operations at the Port of Algeciras resumed without major delays.

A port spokesperson said that quick action from the emergency teams prevented a much worse disaster. As of now, the charred vessel remains docked for assessment while investigations continue.

References: Gibraltar chronicle, lavozdelsur

Source: Maritime Shipping News