Fire Breaks Out on Product Tanker MT Meghna Trader off Bangladesh Coast: Crew Safely Evacuated

A serious fire broke out aboard the product tanker MT Meghna Trader while the vessel was anchored at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port in Bangladesh. The incident occurred on the morning of May 28 and triggered a large-scale emergency response involving the Coast Guard, Navy, and port authorities.

According to preliminary reports, the fire started around 7:30 a.m. local time, reportedly in the generator room or engine room area. Upon discovering the fire, the crew immediately initiated emergency procedures and activated the vessel’s CO₂ firefighting system in an effort to contain the blaze.

All 22 Crew Members Rescued

Following the outbreak of the fire, the crew quickly evacuated the affected area. Authorities later confirmed that all 22 crew members were safely rescued, with no fatalities or missing persons reported.

The firefighting operation involved:

• Bangladesh Coast Guard;
• Bangladesh Navy;
• port firefighting tugboats;
• emergency response teams from Chattogram Port.

Several specialized tugboats were deployed to combat the fire while simultaneously ensuring the vessel remained secure at anchorage.

More Than 11,000 Tons of Cargo on Board

Port officials reported that the tanker had arrived from Indonesia carrying approximately 11,500 tons of palm oil. Part of the cargo had already been discharged before the incident occurred.

Due to the nature of the cargo, authorities treated the situation as potentially hazardous, as a larger fire could have posed significant safety and environmental risks.

Fire Brought Under Control After Several Hours

The emergency response operation lasted nearly four hours. By midday, authorities announced that the fire had been successfully contained and the situation aboard the vessel had stabilized.

Following the firefighting efforts, representatives from the port authority, Coast Guard, and vessel management company began assessing the ship’s condition and the extent of the damage.

About MT Meghna Trader

MT Meghna Trader sails under the flag of Bangladesh and operates as a chemical and product tanker. Built in 2007, the vessel is approximately 129 meters long and has a deadweight of more than 13,000 tons.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities are currently examining the engine room and onboard systems to determine what triggered the incident and to assess the full extent of the damage.