USCG: Bulker Catches Fire in the Port of Toledo
WMN….A fire broke out on board a Handymax bulk carrier at the CSX Torco terminal in the US Port of Toledo on February 17, 2019, the US Coast Guard (USCG) said.
As informed, the fire was located on the stern of the 44,800 dwt St Clair moored in the Ohio port for winter season repairs.
No one was aboard, and there was no cargo on the vessel at the time of the fire, according to the USCG.
On Saturday, the USCG was notified of the incident about 9:30 p.m. local time and responded along with firefighters from eight local fire departments.
The external fire was brought under control, while preventative measures continued on adjacent ships using water-cooling techniques.
A helicopter crew and a pollution responder conducted an aerial observation of the area on Sunday morning and determined there was no pollution in the Maumee River.
Pollution Responders from Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Toledo were also sent to the scene to observe and assess the situation for any signs of pollution on the river.
The American Steamship Company, owners of the vessel, contacted the National Response Corporation which then asked Marine Pollution Control to be on scene and prepared to respond to any possible pollution. The priority has been to mitigate any environmental damage and to prevent any pollution, as explained by the USCG.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has conducted air quality tests in the vicinity of the ship and the air is clear of pollution, reports World Maritime News.