Cargo vessel secured after fire breaks out in Baltic Sea

A fire erupted in the engine room of the general cargo ship Diezeborg on February 14 while it was sailing in the Baltic Sea.

The vessel, which was travelling from Setúbal, Portugal, to Kokkola, Finland, experienced the blaze on Saturday evening during its voyage at a position northwest of Gotska Sandön, Sweden.

A rescue operation by the Swedish Coast Guard was launched later that day and the vessel was secured.

The coast guard vessel KBV 002 Triton got under way and arrived on scene on Sunday afternoon. By 1500 hours, the crew had a towline connected and the situation was stabilized.

The cause of the fire was not disclosed. Fortunately, the fire on board is reported to be extinguished.

The situation is now under control, with the crew still on board the vessel.

The Coast Guard reported Sunday that conditions are favourable for the ongoing operation, with moderate winds and clear visibility.

The Swedish Coast Guard in its statement didn’t report any injuries on board the vessel.

The 8819-dwt vessel Diezeborg, built in 2000, is Netherlands-flagged.