Fire Erupts on Mozambique-Bound Bulk Carrier
In a dramatic incident off the coast of Mozambique, four crew members were treated for injuries following a fire on the bulk carrier Altzek as it departed from Nacala port. The fire, which is believed to have originated in the engine room, prompted immediate action from maritime authorities. Fortunately, all crew members are reported to be safe and receiving care at a local clinic while the vessel remains under inspection.
Incident Details and Response
The Maritime Transport Regulatory Authority (ITANSMAR) confirmed that the fire broke out on Sunday afternoon, April 13, as the Altzek was loaded with coal and preparing to leave the port. Initial reports suggest that an explosion may have occurred in the engine room, although this has yet to be verified. ITANSMAR stated, “The four crew members (…) are out of danger and are currently undergoing treatment at a clinic in Nacala.”
In response to the emergency, four tugboats equipped with fire-fighting gear were dispatched to assist the vessel. However, the crew had already managed to extinguish the fire before the tugboats arrived. The Altzek, which has a deadweight tonnage of 81,177 and is registered in Nigeria, was reportedly en route to Las Palmas, Spain, with a final destination in Poland.
According to the Equasis database, the vessel was recently acquired from South Korea by Oman’s Green Seeds General Trading Company and was built in 2012. Currently, the ship is marked as “not under command” while anchored in Nacala Porto. ITANSMAR has announced that a team of naval engineers will be sent to inspect the vessel to assess its condition and determine whether it can continue its journey.
