A Pacific Basin-owned handysize bulker has suffered a shipboard fire while alongside in North Carolina on the US east coast.
The fire aboard the 28,379-dwt Albany Sound (built 2002) was confined to a few cabins and corridor, a Pacific Basin spokesperson told TradeWinds.
The fire broke out early on Sunday and was extinguished "within 10 minutes", the spokesperson added. There is no word yet on what might have caused the fire.
According to media reports there were 22 crew aboard the ship at the time of the incident, but there are no reports of any injuries.
“Pacific Basin, the owner and manager of bulk carrier Albany Sound, report that the vessel experienced a fire at about 0910 hours on 14 April while at berth at Morehead City, USA,” the shipowner said in a statement.
“The owner and manager express their gratitude for the prompt and timely response of the fire department and US Coast Guard (USCG). All relevant authorities were notified.
“While our investigation is not yet complete, the incident is believed to have been caused by overheating of a crew member’s personal electronic device.”
US Coast Guard officers are said to have attended the vessel and carried out a detailed Port State Control (PSC) inspection on 15 April and cleared the vessel with no deficiencies.
“Class NK has inspected the temporary repairs and agreed to issue a condition of class subject to the Hong Kong Marine Department’s authorisation, which is expected today, and USCG clearance to depart after completion of cargo operations, which is expected on 17 April,” Pacific Basin added.
In addition to Morehead City Fire Department, firefighting units from Atlantic Beach, Newport and Beaufort EMS departments were said to have provided cover.
