Firefighters Battle Cargo Fire on Newly Delivered Bulker in Canary Islands

Emergency crews are working to contain a fire aboard a newly built bulk carrier docked in the Canary Islands.

The blaze erupted on Monday within the cargo hold of the 5,250-dwt multipurpose dry cargo vessel Langeland (constructed in 2024) while it was berthed at the port of Arinaga on Gran Canaria.

The fire was caused by the spontaneous combustion of scrap metal. Footage captured at the scene showed bright orange flames lighting up the night sky near the dock.

Despite hours of firefighting efforts, the crew opted to let the flames subside overnight due to concerns that excessive water use might compromise the ship’s stability.

However, the fire reignited on Tuesday, fueled by residual burning materials. Authorities later reported that the fire had been brought under control and was under close observation. Thick smoke continued to billow from the Langeland, prompting the evacuation of a nearby merchant vessel as a precaution.

Local maritime officials, along with port and rescue authorities, convened to strategize on managing the incident effectively.

Photo credit: laprovincia.es. All rights reserved.