An investigation has begun in Latvia after the fire on the JR Shipping container ship Escape was confirmed as extinguished.
All 15 seafarers had safely abandoned the 1,436-teu vessel (built 2011) in the early hours of Wednesday as the feeder unit headed to Riga from Lithuania.
Dutch manager JR Shipping said the Netherlands-flag vessel was later taken under tow towards the port on Wednesday evening.
“Following unsuccessful attempts to extinguish the fire, the master of Escape took the prudent measure to evacuate the ship,” the company added.
In an update on Friday, JR Shipping said that, following inspections by experts, the fire in the engine room has been completely extinguished.
The crew members have arrived in Riga and are being attended and supported by representatives of the company.
The Escape is also in Riga, where it arrived under tow on Thursday night.
Experts have now started conducting a full assessment of the potential damage to the vessel.
The crew members were taken on board Hansa Ship Management’s nearby 5,000-dwt cargo ship Kairit (built 2000). There were no injuries to the seafarers.
The Latvian navy said the cargo on board did not catch fire.
“The exact cause of the fire is yet unknown,” JR Shipping said.
Authorities swing into action
The navy said the tugs Stella and Orion started the tow.
They were escorted by the Latvian coastguard’s Saule vessel.
The navy sent the supply ship Varonis and patrol unit Rezekne to the scene.
The vessel has insurance cover through the North P&I Club.
It has never been detained after port state control safety inspections.
