Huge Fire Sparks Emergency in Gravesend
A massive emergency response rocked Gravesend early this morning after a serious blaze erupted aboard a huge cargo ship moored on the River Thames.
Flames Engulf Massive Bulk Carrier
The vessel, SIDER OLYMPIA, a 180-metre bulk carrier flying the Marshall Islands flag, caught fire just after midnight Sunday. Flames quickly spread on board, triggering an urgent multi-agency emergency operation.
Firefighters Battle Blaze Onboard
- Kent Fire and Rescue and London Fire Brigade have deployed 15 fire engines, a high-volume pump, aerial ladder platform, height vehicle, and technical rescue teams.
- Drone units and specialist marine crews are also on site.
- The London Fire Brigade’s fire boat Errington fights flames from the river, backed by London Coastguard and UK Coastguard rescue teams.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus boarded the ship, tackling intense heat and cooling the decks amid a vivid orange glow from the ship’s storage bunkers. Despite the scale of the fire, no injuries have been reported and all crew members are accounted for.
Unknown Cargo and Ongoing Risks
The ship’s cargo remains a mystery, with authorities uncertain if hazardous materials are involved. The fire’s cause is still unknown, and a joint investigation by fire and maritime authorities is planned once the flames are under control.
Public Safety Measures and Warnings
Kent Police are managing cordons and crowd control while the Port of London Authority monitors the situation. Residents and visitors have been urged to steer clear of the waterfront to allow emergency crews to do their job.
“This is a highly complex incident involving a large vessel. Our crews are working closely with partner agencies, including the London Fire Brigade and Coastguard, to bring the fire under control and ensure everyone’s safety. We thank the public for their patience and cooperation.” – Kent Fire and Rescue Service source
Emergency services remain at the scene and the firefighting operation is expected to continue for several hours. Stay tuned as we bring you live updates on this unfolding waterfront drama.
