A cargo ship undergoing repairs in Qingdao, a major port in northeastern China, was engulfed in flames on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 people on board, as reported by state media.
The incident occurred around 11:15 a.m. local time while the ship, identified as the Ocean Melody and registered under the Liberian flag, was in the care of Beihai Shipbuilding Co. Witnesses reported seeing thick clouds of white smoke rising from the vessel.
There were 42 crew members on the ship at the time of the fire, with 12 successfully rescued. Additionally, five people sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital, where they are currently in stable condition.
Firefighters managed to control the blaze by approximately 2:30 p.m., about three hours after it began. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities have not yet identified what led to the flames.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for greater efforts to assist those affected, while Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of rescuing those trapped and preventing future disasters. Xi further urged implementation of thorough preventive measures to avert similar incidents.
Beihai Shipbuilding, a part of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, is noted as the largest shipbuilder in the world, specializing in ship repair and construction. Qingdao is a vital center for shipping and international trade, handling millions of shipping containers each year and housing several large shipyards.
The situation continues to unfold as officials work to determine the causes and consequences of this tragic event.
