Major Fire Leaves Trawler At Pier In Ribeira With Heavy List, Salvors Avert Capsizing

A Mauritanian-flagged trawler narrowly avoided capsizing after a major fire broke out while it was docked at the pier in Ribeira, Galicia. Salvage crews managed to stabilise the vessel Awadi after it developed a heavy list due to the large amounts of firefighting water inside.

The fire started at about 4:30 p.m. on Monday inside one of the vessel’s holds, where maintenance work was underway. A bystander noticed the blaze and alerted local emergency services.

Firefighters from the region rushed to the port with five fire trucks and began working to put out the flames and stop them from spreading to nearby ships. No one on board was injured.

Despite their quick response, the fire spread into several compartments of the trawler. As water from firefighting operations filled the vessel, it began to tilt dangerously. By late Tuesday, the Awadi was leaning about 40 degrees to starboard.

Local reports said salvors were brought in to find the cause, and they found that the bilge system of the hold was letting water into the compartment. Divers were sent down to plug the system and stop the flooding.

Firefighters removed all of their equipment and supplies from the weather deck to lighten the vessel and improve stability. They also cut back the amount of water being pumped inside.

According to port director Juan Sanmartin, the listing has now stabilised, but the fire is still smoldering and will likely continue for several days until all the flammable material is consumed.

Authorities confirmed that no pollution has been detected so far. However, the vessel is carrying about 18,000 liters of diesel fuel, which will need to be removed once the situation is fully under control.

Gardacostas de Galicia announced on social media that they deployed anti-pollution barriers around the vessel to reduce the risk of any spill. They also confirmed that the Coast Guard of Galicia sent its ship Mar de Galicia and the auxiliary vessel Ría de Vigo to take part in the firefighting work. The Ría de Vigo is expected to join the operation soon.

Reference: Gardacostas Galicia

Source: Maritime Shipping News