at around midday LT May 22 during salvage works with torches, which were, it is believed to be the cause of the fire. Some 28 fire fighting teams and emergency personnel are engaged in fire fighting, thick smoke is seen far beyond the dock. Unpleasant odour found, neighbouring residents are advised to keep windows shut. Photo from NWZ Online edition.

Reader of Maritime Bulletin, whose vessel is presently in Bremerhaven, sent photos and some information provided by a port’s pilot. 54-year old operator of the crane died, crashed boom of the crane damaged more than 10 containers, and punctured ballast tank, there is a risk of the whole gantry crane crash, because boom is stuck in ballast tank, and there is a substantial water level tidings variation. Latest photos of

First news:Container crane collapsed, crashed onto boxship MAERSK KARACHI , one missingMay 14, 2015The boom of container crane crashed onto boxship MAERSK KARACHI during loading operation at night May 14 in container terminal in Bremerhaven. One person is missing, supposedly crane operator, whose cabin crashed down to the vessel from 40 meters height. Rescue and salvage are under way.

The fire on the "Maersk Karachi" was still on, but could be brought under control in the night from May 22 to 23. The fire rescue, four fire boats and other rescue forces were working the whole night through to contain the blaze. After the foam with which the cargo hold was flooded was removed, thermal cameras should be used to track remaining hit spots.The "Bugsier 4", "Nordergründe" and "SD Salvor" were actually still working at the Strom Quay. German reports with photos and video: www.radiobremen.d... www.weser-kurier.... (1 day ago, by Timsen

On May 22 at noon a fire broke out in the cargo hold into which a ganty crane collapsed onto the “Maersk Karachi” at the NTB Terminal in Bremerhaven.

To recover the debris, welding work was carried out. As the cargo holds are connected, the fire rescue focused on keeping the flames from spreading. The mass of debris made the source of the fire inaccessible.

Fire brigades from Bremen, Hamburg and Wilhelmshaven supported the local resources. Foam and water was being pumped into the ship. As there was not enough foam available, fire brigades from Wilhelmshaven, Bremen and Hamburg carried more material to Bremerhaven. Also the Technical Support Work (THW) Achim was called. Experts were controlling the structural integrity of the ship.

The police asked the residents to keep doors and windows in Bremerhaven, Langen, Imsum, Weddewarden, Speckenbüttel and Leherheide shut.

The fire rescue was measuring the concentration of toxic gases there. The “Bugsier 1″, “Mellum”,”Geeste”, “Nordergründe”, “SD Salvor”, “Turm”, “Weser” and “Wilhelmshaven” were alongside the container ship. At shore side 28 engines with 70 men were working to contain the blaze.









Fire extinguished on saturday, no firefighters injured, hold bottom flooded with water and estinguishing media, must be checked before pumping water into the river to avoid pollution. Salvage of broken boom of container bridge will now begin on Monday. Waterway traffic alongside terminal must completely stopped to avoid swell for maybe a day. "MAERSK KALKUTTA" still blocked on quayside. A very expensive accident!



















