- Thursday, February 27, 2025
The cause of the fire was speculated to have originated from one of the 25 electric cars onboard, as reported by Dutch national broadcaster NOS.
By: Shubham Ghosh
A TRAGIC incident unfolded off the Netherlands coast on Tuesday (25) as a major fire erupted on the cargo vessel “Fremantle Highway” carrying around 3,000 cars, including those from Mercedes and BMWs, resulting in the death of an Indian crew member and injuries to 20 others.
The vessel, registered in Panama and measuring 199 metres, was en route from Germany to Egypt when the fire broke out.
We are deeply saddened by the incident involving Ship ‘Fremantle Highway’ in North Sea, resulting in the death of an Indian seafarer & injuries to the crew. Embassy of India is in touch with family of the deceased & is assisting in repatriation of the mortal remains @MEAIndia
— IndiainNetherlands (@IndinNederlands) July 26, 2023
Embassy is also in touch with the remaining 20 injured crew members, who are safe and receiving medical attention. All possible assistance is being extended in coordination with the Dutch authorities and the shipping company @MEAIndia
— IndiainNetherlands (@IndinNederlands) July 26, 2023
The blaze prompted several crew members to leap overboard in a bid to escape the inferno.
The Indian embassy in the Netherlands expressed its sorrow in a social media post, announcing the loss of one of its nationals. They assured that they were in contact with the deceased crew member’s family and actively assisting with the repatriation process.
It was, however, not confirmed how the person who died was killed.
They were also coordinating with Dutch authorities and the shipping company to provide support to the 20 injured crew members who were receiving medical attention.
Rescue boats and helicopters were used to get the 23 crew members off the ship after some had jumped in the water, a spokesperson for the Dutch coastguard told CNN on Wednesday (26).
Pictures show grey smoke emitting from the ship amid fears the vessel could sink 27 kilometers north of the Dutch island, Ameland, off the Wadden Sea – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is considered one of the most important regions for migratory birds in the world, the report said.
The cause of the fire was speculated to have originated from one of the 25 electric cars onboard, as reported by Dutch national broadcaster NOS. Despite the efforts of Dutch firefighters, the blaze continued for over 16 hours, making it unsafe for firefighters to board the ship and necessitating careful strategies to prevent its capsizing during firefighting.
The tragic event led to seven crew members jumping into the sea and being rescued by nearby ships, while the remaining crew was saved by helicopters. As the authorities focused on averting the ship’s sinking, a tugboat from the Wadden Island water taxi service was successful in securing the vessel with a rope to prevent it from drifting into busy shipping lanes. Other boats stood ready to lend assistance in safely maneuvering the stricken vessel.
While the efforts to extinguish the fire were ongoing, the prospects of success remained uncertain, and it could take hours, days, or even weeks before the situation is entirely under control.
(With agency inputs)
