CASUALTY NOTICE
Incident Date: 25th May 2019
Vessel: KMTC HONGKONG
IMO No. 9157753
Type: Containership
Incident: Fire onboard
We have learned of an incident involving the vessel KMTC HONGKONG, a Korea flag, 1998 built, 16,731 gt fully cellular container ship, while docked at Laem Chabang, having completed a voyage from Ho Chi Minh, after calling at Busan and Chinese ports.
On 25th May, it was reported that fire had broken out onboard in a load of cargo reported to include chemicals, which forced officials to evacuate workers and temporarily close three piers. More than 130 people were taken to hospital, some complaining of irritation to the eyes and throat, while others reported a burning sensation on the skin, although no major injuries were reported.
The fire was reported to have been contained before the end of the day.
At the weekend, the Port Authority of Thailand stated that the fire had started from a container containing calcium hypochlorite and chlorinated paraffin wax. The Authority asserted that hazardous chemicals were not declared to Thai customs. Booms have been placed around the area to prevent further chemical contamination in the sea.
Officials will be inspecting about 35 containers understood to have been damaged by the fire.
General Average has been declared and if W E Cox Claims Group may be of any assistance in arranging surveys, appointing fire experts, adjusting potential losses, providing General Average Security, or undertaking recovery action, please do not hesitate to contact us.
As appropriate, please contact:
United Kingdom – Paul Friett cargoclaims@w-e-cox.co.uk
Hong Kong – Wendy Lee wendy@ceemis.com.hk
Singapore – Paul Sansom psansom@w-e-cox.com.sg
USA – Charles Droll cdroll@w-e-cox.com
Australia – Robert Hammersley rhammersley@w-e-cox.com.au
If this or future casualty notices should be forwarded to any of your colleagues, we would be pleased to receive their contact details and we will add them to our Client List.
