Espirito Santo Express fire under control, most cargo expected damaged or lost

The fire aboard the 11,923 TEU Espirito Santo Express is now under control, but the vast majority of its cargo is expected to be either severely damaged or a total loss, according to Hapag-Lloyd. The German carrier said the latest information from vessel owner Seaspan indicated the extent of the damage. However, a detailed assessment will not be possible until the vessel reaches a Port of Refuge, which could take considerable time. Once the vessel arrives and an initial inspection is completed, Hapag-Lloyd will contact customers whose containers may be salvageable to arrange cargo surveys.

The 2018-built, Singapore-flagged vessel was sailing from Singapore to Santos, Brazil, when a fire broke out in its cargo area on 15 October. Smoke and flames were reported in the cargo bay forward of the accommodation block. All 28 crew members abandoned ship and were rescued by the Portuguese-flagged bulk carrier Aeolian Arrow. However, the rescue operation resulted in a fatality. The bulk carrier’s chief officer fell overboard from a rescue boat and was lost at sea.

The Espirito Santo Express, owned by Seaspan and chartered to Hapag-Lloyd, has remained adrift in the South Atlantic since the incident. Salvage teams have been working to extinguish the fire and stabilise the vessel.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Further information on the vessel’s condition and the extent of the cargo damage is expected once it reaches a Port of Refuge.

This story was originally published by World Cargo News. Read the full story at World Cargo News →