Cargo ship fire at UK’s Albert Dock took 20 hours

A major fire erupted aboard the Altay cargo ship at Albert Dock in Hull on Friday, prompting a massive response from firefighters. Thick, toxic smoke filled the air for hours, leading officials to advise nearby residents to close their windows. After nearly 20 hours of battling the flames, firefighters finally brought the situation under control early Saturday morning.

Firefighters Tackle Intense Blaze

Humberside Fire and Rescue crews were dispatched to the scene around 10:20 BST on Friday after reports of a significant fire in the cargo hold, which contained approximately 3,500 tonnes of scrap metal. The flames quickly generated a large plume of smoke that spread across Hull, affecting visibility and air quality in the area. Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the night, and by 05:00 BST on Saturday, they had managed to bring the fire under control. However, they remained on-site for several hours to monitor the situation and prevent any potential flare-ups.

A spokesperson for the fire service praised the efforts of the firefighters, stating, “Well done to our firefighters who worked through the night, continuously dampening down the cargo hold to bring the fire under control.” The spokesperson also acknowledged the support from Control Room staff who coordinated emergency responses and logistics during the incident. Residents were informed that while the fire was under control, they might still notice steam and a lingering smell of smoke as part of the cooling process.

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Community Impact and Safety Measures

As the fire raged, social media users shared images and videos of the smoke-filled streets surrounding Albert Dock. One user, Paul Cockerton, posted a video capturing the dramatic scene, while another shared photos showing the extent of the smoke. Despite the chaos, the Yorkshire Ambulance Service confirmed that they were on-site to check on individuals who had been aboard the vessel, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The Altay, a bulk carrier, had been docked in Hull since June 23. Local authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, and residents have been advised to remain cautious. A spokesperson reassured the public, stating, “Please do not be alarmed, as there is also a strong smell of smoke in the area.” As the community begins to recover from this incident, the focus remains on ensuring safety and addressing any lingering effects of the fire.