Additional Coverage:
- Fire aboard cargo ship undergoing repairs at busy Chinese port leaves 25 people dead, five more injured (foxnews.com)
A cargo ship undergoing repairs at the port of Qingdao on China’s northeastern coast caught fire on Thursday, resulting in at least 25 fatalities, according to Chinese state media reports.
The vessel, identified as the Ocean Melody, was docked at Beihai Shipbuilding Co., a subsidiary of the state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation, when the blaze broke out around 11:15 a.m. local time. Qingdao is a key maritime hub in Shandong province, known for its busy port operations and significant shipbuilding industry.
At the time of the fire, 42 people were on board the ship. Rescue teams were able to save 12 individuals, while five others sustained injuries and were hospitalized in stable condition.
The fire was brought under control by approximately 2:30 p.m., after burning for more than three hours. Videos circulated online showed thick white smoke rising from the vessel during the incident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities yet to provide details on what triggered the incident during the repair work.
In response to the tragedy, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for intensified support to those affected and called for thorough implementation of preventive measures to avoid future catastrophic accidents. Premier Li Qiang also highlighted the urgency of rescuing anyone still trapped.
Beihai Shipbuilding, which primarily focuses on shipbuilding and repair, operates under the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the world’s largest shipbuilder. Qingdao’s port is a vital center for international trade, handling millions of containers annually and hosting several large-scale shipyards. The incident marks a significant event at one of China’s most important maritime facilities.