Fire Emergency at Sea: Taiwan Coast Guard’s Swift Response

On Saturday, a dramatic rescue operation unfolded off the coast of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, when a bulk carrier caught fire. The vessel, named Panoria, was carrying 21 crew members when an engine room fire broke out. The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration (CGA) quickly mobilized to assist the injured crew. This incident highlights the dangers faced by seafarers and the critical role of maritime rescue operations.

Rescue Operation Amidst Challenging Conditions

The incident began around 1700 hours when the CGA received an urgent call about the fire on the Panoria. The 50,000 deadweight tonnage bulker had experienced a fire in its engine room. Although the crew managed to extinguish the flames, the situation was dire. Three crew members suffered minor burns, while one sustained serious injuries. The ship’s master promptly requested evacuation for all personnel on board.

In response, the CGA dispatched five vessels to the scene. However, the rescue operation faced significant challenges due to high wave conditions, with waves exceeding 12 feet. This made it unsafe to conduct a ship-to-ship transfer of the injured crew. To enhance the rescue efforts, a helicopter aircrew from the Ministry of National Defense was also deployed. They successfully hoisted the four injured crew members aboard the helicopter and transported them to Kaohsiung’s airport. From there, the injured were taken to a hospital for urgent medical care.

While the rescue of the injured crew was successful, the remaining 17 uninjured crew members had to stay aboard the Panoria. The CGA deemed it too risky to attempt further flight operations given the prevailing sea conditions. Meanwhile, the tugboat Salvage Rigger was dispatched to tow the bulker to safety. As of Sunday, the tug was moving slowly northwest off Taiwan’s coast, ensuring the vessel’s secure transport.

Background of the Panoria and Safety Concerns

The Panoria is a geared bulk carrier built in 2008 and is owned and operated by a Greek company. Recent inspections have raised serious concerns about the vessel’s safety. In its last two port state control inspections, conducted in France and Indonesia, the Panoria was found to have a total of 19 deficiencies. These included critical issues related to fire pumps and the availability of firefighting equipment.

Notably, the vessel was detained in Indonesia just two months prior to this incident due to deficiencies in its firefighting systems, sewage treatment, and oil filtering equipment. Although these issues were reportedly corrected in a follow-up inspection, the recent fire raises questions about the effectiveness of those repairs and the overall safety of the vessel.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety regulations in the maritime industry. It underscores the need for continuous monitoring and maintenance of vessels to prevent such emergencies. The swift response by the Taiwan Coast Guard highlights their commitment to ensuring the safety of those at sea, but it also calls for a reassessment of safety protocols for ships like the Panoria.