Tragedy at Sea as Engine Fire Claims Two Lives on Bulk Carrier

The blaze erupted at approximately 7.35pm on Tuesday (17 Feb) evening. Crew members battled the flames and eventually succeeded in extinguishing the fire, but the incident proved fatal for two seafarers. A third crew member was evacuated ashore for medical treatment. Authorities have not released further details about the condition of the injured individual.

The Maritime and Port Authority stated that no pollution has been reported in the aftermath of the fire.

Arrangements are currently being made by the vessel’s management company to tow the stricken ship to Yantai Port in China, where further assessments will take place. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire has been launched.

Built in 2010, the Mandy is managed by Pacific Rim Shipmanagement. The vessel’s recent inspection history has raised concerns. In June 2025, it was detained in Rotterdam for 15 days after inspectors identified 25 deficiencies, nine of which constituted grounds for detention.

Seven of the recorded issues related to fire safety. Among them were two defects classed as “inoperative” concerning the ready availability of firefighting equipment, and another linked to control mechanisms within machinery spaces. Additional shortcomings were identified in areas including crew performance evaluation, fire dampers and fire pumps.

As investigations proceed, attention is likely to focus on whether previously identified safety deficiencies played any role in the fatal incident, casting a sombre spotlight on standards of onboard fire preparedness and maritime safety enforcement.