Fire has struck an LPG tanker at Gadani shipbreaking yard just two months after a deadly explosion that shone a spotlight on safety as shipbreaking facilities.
Local media report that the fire erupted on the anchored ship at plot 60 earlier today, with firefighters having been deployed at the scene.
TradeWinds is told that the vessel hit by the blaze is the 49,999-dwt Rain (built 1986, ex-Gaz Fountain).
The vessel was owned by Greece’s Naftomar and was sold for $5.5m in September.
According to vessel tracking websites, the Rain is anchored at Gadani.
Media reports suggest that around 100 workers were dismantling the ship but no casualties have been reported yet.
Naftomar did not have information relating to the current owner of the vessel.
Comment has been sought by cash buyer Wirana.
In early November a number of workers died at Gadani following an explosion.
As a response to this accident, the Pakistani government ordered the suspension of all demolition works at the yard. The ban was lifted earlier this month.
