During the night of August 13, a fire broke out aboard the 105-meter inland cargo vessel Falkenstein (MMSI: 211500910) while it was located at a shipyard near Waterhuizen in the Netherlands.
The vessel was moored along the Winschoterdiep canal when the fire reportedly started inside one of its cabins.
The flames quickly spread through the vessel, prompting an emergency response from the local fire brigade. Firefighters arrived at the shipyard and initially managed to extinguish the blaze after approximately one hour of firefighting operations.
However, the situation was not yet under control. The fire subsequently reignited aboard Falkenstein, forcing emergency services to respond again as flames spread through parts of the vessel.
Firefighters returned to the scene and continued their efforts until the second fire was completely extinguished, which reportedly took approximately another hour.
One of the most important circumstances of the incident was that no one was aboard Falkenstein when the fire started. No injuries were therefore reported in connection with the accident.
The extent of the damage sustained by the 105-meter vessel has not yet been disclosed. Considering that the fire spread through the vessel and reignited after initially being extinguished, authorities are expected to assess both the affected accommodation areas and other sections for structural and technical damage.
An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the fire and establish how the blaze started inside the cabin.
Authorities will also examine the circumstances surrounding the second outbreak of fire after firefighters had initially brought the situation under control.
Falkenstein is a 105-meter inland cargo vessel registered under MMSI number 211500910.
The incident once again highlights the fire risks associated with vessels undergoing work or remaining at shipyards, where electrical systems, maintenance operations and combustible materials can potentially contribute to the rapid spread of a fire.
No information regarding the total financial damage caused by the incident has been released.
