Fire crews in Wilmington spent several hours controlling a fire aboard a cargo vessel docked at the Port of Wilmington after flames broke out in the engine room of the Chiquita Voyager. The call was received at 9:28 a.m., and responding units reported smoke coming from the ship's superstructure when they arrived on scene.
Firefighters boarded the vessel to begin suppression efforts and assisted with evacuating crew members. The fire was located in the engine room, where the ship's suppression system helped prevent the flames from spreading beyond the area of origin. Crews worked for about three hours before the incident was brought under control, and units were expected to remain on site for the remainder of the day to monitor conditions and check for flare-ups.
Four crew members were injured during the incident and were transported to Christiana Hospital for treatment. Their conditions have not been released.
Approximately 70 fire and EMS personnel responded. Resources included Wilmington Fire Department units from Engines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6; Squad 4; Ladders 1 and 2; Battalion Chiefs 1 and 2; F1; and Ambulances 2, 5, and 6. Additional support came from New Castle County EMS, New Castle County Emergency Management, and mutual-aid fire departments from across the county.
The Wilmington Fire Department and partner agencies are expected to continue their presence at the port as they investigate the cause of the fire and assess the condition of the Chiquita Voyager.
Source: Fox29
