Canada: the fire of a container ship, which releases toxic gases, is stabilized

The fire that broke out on Saturday in containers aboard a huge cargo ship, which carries 52 tons of mining chemicals, seems under control.

The 260m container ship was anchored in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, south of Vancouver Island in British Columbia.

On Saturday, authorities received a warning message at around 11 a.m. (local time) regarding two containers on fire.

By 10:50 p.m., the fire had spread to at least ten containers.

This fire immediately put the authorities on alert because of the toxic products on board, such as potassium amyl xanthate, a yellow powder classified as “spontaneously combustible” by the American authorities.

"An emergency zone has been established (...) around the container ship", the combustion "releases toxic gas", underlined the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG).

40 containers fallen overboard

On the night of Sunday to Monday, the Canadian Coast Guard announced that the fire had stabilized.

The "Zim Kingston" had been sprayed by ships which came alongside her.

#GCCEnDirect: Overnight, the tug Seaspan Raven cooled the hull of M / V #ZimKingston by spraying it with cold water.

Due to the nature of the chemicals on board the container ship, applying water directly to the fire is not an option.

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- CoastguardCAN (@GardeCotiereCAN) October 24, 2021

During the day, depending on weather conditions, firefighters specializing in hazardous materials will board the ship to fight any persistent fires and ensure they are extinguished.

In addition, towing vessels will be dispatched to the area.

All fires produce toxic substances.

Incident Command has detailed information on the chemicals that caught fire and are now burning in the containers aboard the #ZimKingston.

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- CoastguardCAN (@GardeCotiereCAN) October 24, 2021

At present, the smoke from the ship is under observation by air quality monitoring stations in the Greater Victoria area.

Emergency towing vessels as well as other tugs will help us monitor developments overnight to ensure the vessel's five crew members are safe and the vessel remains safe.

Further updates will follow.

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- CoastguardCAN (@GardeCotiereCAN) October 24, 2021

Beyond this fire, the Canadian Coast Guard are working with their American counterparts to track 40 containers that have fallen overboard. In addition to the risk that they will spill their cargo, they present a significant risk to other ships.

“Mariners are advised to stay clear of the area.

There is currently no risk to the safety of people ashore, but the situation will continue to be monitored, ”the CCG further explained.