An Italian product tanker has been towed away from the Portuguese coast following a fire.
The country’s navy said the 20,000-dwt Greta K (built 2006) suffered the blaze on Tuesday afternoon while approaching the northern port of Leixoes from the southern port of Sines.
Twelve of the ship’s Filipino crew members were evacuated, while seven remained on board.
The fire broke out in the engine room, and funnel causing the tanker to go adrift.
The Malta-flagged vessel was towed away from the coast in the evening, the navy added.
The Greta K was about 3km from the shore at the time of the fire. A pilot was also on board.
Italian owner K-Ships confirmed the fire originated in the fire and funnel while the vessel was manoeuvering for berthing operations at Leixoes.
"All activities were strictly and directly coordinated by K-Ships’ shore team with crew and authorities. Additionally, there was prompt assistance provided by two tug boats involved in the manoeuvering operation," the owner said.
One tug pulled the tanker away from the port and the coast, while the other tried to extinguish the blaze.
After the inital 12 crew were evacuated, the master and the remaining key crew members moved on to one of the tugs to help coordinate "ongoing extinguishing activities," K-Ships added.
"Fortunately, there is no risk of pollution. The fire was limited to engine room and funnel. Despite this difficult situation, we are proud of both our crew and shore team for how they have been handling this pressing moment," the company concluded.
The vessel had alerted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Lisbon.
The port authority of Douro, Leixoes and Viana do Castelo sent three tugs to the scene.
An AIS update from Wednesday morning showed the ship as “not under command” off the coast.
Diesel and jet fuel cargo
The navy said the tanker is carrying diesel and jet fuel.
Eyewitnesses on land told the JN website that they had seen flames on the ship, with black smoke still visible three hours later.
Anti-pollution teams were brought in, but no spill was reported.
The Equasis database lists Standard Club, part of NorthStandard, as providing the protection and indemnity cover for the vessel.
The vessel has been inspected five times by port-state-control inspectors and no deficiencies have been found.
