The Italian Coast Guard, the Guardia Costiera, saved 18 seafarers after the HALA B, a general cargo ship caught fire three miles away from the Italian port of Chioggia in the Adriatic Sea, according to a statement.
The Guardia Costiera said all crewmembers were “in good health” and that the quick reactions of the firefighters aboard tug boats extinguished the fire and prevented serious injuries.
Estinto l'incendio divampato nella notte sulla nave HALA B. L’intervento dell'elicottero Nemo 11 di Pescara e delle 3 motovedette della #GuardiaCostiera di #Venezia e #Chioggia che ha coordinato il soccorso dei 18 membri dell’ equipaggio.#SAR #TutelaAmbiente pic.twitter.com/S2zYM0PHIi
— Guardia Costiera (@guardiacostiera) February 27, 2019
It is believed that the fire began in the vessel’s engine room at 1800 on February 26, 2019, and an alarm was raised to the Guaria Costiera and the Chioggia Port Authority.
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Following that, six tug boats were deployed to extinguish the fire and the operation was completed by approximately 03:30 on February 27, 2019.
In serata la #GuardiaCostiera di #Chioggia ha tratto in salvo 18 persone di equipaggio che si trovavano a bordo del mercantile HALA B. Il mercantile si trovava alla fonda in rada a Chioggia quando si è verificato un principio di incendio in sala macchine. #SAR pic.twitter.com/lClpyRXeRp
— Guardia Costiera (@guardiacostiera) February 26, 2019
The vessel was predominantly carrying wood and it is believed to be entirely undamaged. According to Vessel Finder, it is still at anchorage off Italy’s east coast.