Major Containership Fire Averted in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) successfully averted a potential disaster after a fire broke out on a containership berthed at Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) at the Port of Colombo.

The incident occurred while MSC CAPETOWN III was discharging 995 boxes and loading 880 boxes.

The vessel, part of the East Africa Service, arrived at JCT from Singapore on August 11, 2024. It was also carrying 596 through cargo containers (out-port containers). The SLPA reports that the fire started in the 41/43 hatch area, affecting around 100 under-deck containers and 60 on-deck containers, and escalated into an explosion.

“The vessel berthed at our terminal showed no prior signs of fire. However, during operations, our team identified the precise location from which the smoke was originating, leading to an explosion,” said SLPA’s Director of Port Operations, H.J.K.U. Kumara. “Our firefighters, led by the Harbour Master and in collaboration with other port services, acted swiftly to extinguish the fire and safely remove the affected cargo.”

“Our timely and decisive actions prevented what could have been a catastrophic event,” he added.

Investigations into the cause of the fire and the status of the cargo are ongoing.

The MSC CAPETOWN III, built in 2006, sails under the flag of Madeira.

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