Electric car battery concern in fatal ship fire
A ship carrying nearly 4000 cars which caught fire off the Netherlands has been towed into port for salvage, amid reports that the blaze began in an electric car battery.
The car carrier Fremantle Highway burns off the Netherlands. Photo: Kustwacht Nederland/Coast Guard Netherlands via AP
One crew member died when the blaze broke out on the Fremantle Highway on July 26 as it was travelling from Germany to Egypt.
Seven others who jumped overboard to escape the flames were injured.
The carrier was towed to the northern Dutch port of Eemshaven for salvage. Most of the ship has now been inspected and there are no indications that there is still fire on board,” the Dutch Ministry of Public Works and Water Management said in a statement on Thursday.
Safety experts remained on board the Panama-registered ship during the 64-kilometre towing operation that started north of the islands of Ameland and Schiermonnikoog in difficult weather, the ministry said.
Ship charter company “K” Line said on Friday there were 3783 vehicles on board, including 498 electric vehicles.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire.
In a recording released by Dutch broadcaster RTL, an emergency responder was heard saying “the fire started in the battery of an electric car” but that has not been confirmed by authorities.
-with AAP
