Fire Forces Ship Carrying Radioactive Concrete to Drop Anchor Off Scotland

An update from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency late Tuesday said the MV Parida is now anchored in the Moray Firth after drifting unpowered on Tuesday evening. A tug is on scene to assist or escort the vessel for inspection or repairs on Wednesday.

LONDON, Oct 7 (Reuters) – A ship carrying radioactive concrete was forced to put down its anchor just off the Scottish coast in the North Sea on Tuesday after a fire in one of its funnels, the British coastguard said.

The fire on the Parida, which was believed to be carrying radioactive concrete from a power station to Antwerp, Belgium, is now out and the ship was attempting to put down its anchor, the coastguard told Reuters.

“The fire is out and he is lowering his anchor to stop him drifting,” the coastguard said by telephone. The fire was reported at about 1900 GMT, the coastguard said.

The Parida, which is listed on shipping websites as sailing under a Danish flag, is currently just off northeastern Scotland. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Leslie Adler)

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