A significant firefighting operation is currently underway in Gravesend, involving multiple emergency services as crews tackle a fire aboard a large cargo vessel docked on the River Thames.
The ship, SIDER OLYMPIA, a bulk carrier sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, caught fire in the early hours of Sunday morning. The vessel, measuring nearly 180 metres in length, is currently moored at the Gravesend waterfront.
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Multi-Agency Response
Crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service, the London Fire Brigade, and the UK Coastguard have all been deployed to the scene. The London Fire Brigade’s fire boat, Errington, has also been launched to assist from the river.
Emergency services were called following reports of a blaze aboard the SIDER OLYMPIA shortly after midnight. Flames were reportedly seen glowing orange from one of the ship’s large storage bunkers. Firefighters, equipped with hoses, have boarded the vessel and are working to cool the upper decks and prevent further spread.
Coastguard and Police Involvement
Coastguard rescue teams from Gravesend are supporting the operation, providing assistance with coordination and safety on the water. Kent Police officers have also been deployed to the dockside to assist with crowd control and ensure safety in the surrounding area.
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At this stage, it is unclear what cargo is on board, and whether any hazardous materials are involved. No injuries have been reported, and all crew are believed to be accounted for.
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Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation has been launched. Fire and maritime authorities are expected to remain on scene for several hours as they bring the situation under control.
A spokesperson for Kent Fire and Rescue said: Kent Fire and Rescue Service is responding to reports of a fire onboard a cargo ship in Crete Hall Road, Gravesend.
Ten fire engines, a height vehicle and the water safety unit are in attendance, and crews are putting together a tactical plan to extinguish the flames.
The Coastguard and London Fire Brigade are in attendance and the Volunteer Response Team are also on scene offering welfare support to crews and other partners.
There are no reported injuries.
We have reached out to Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Port of London Authority for official statements and will update this article as more information becomes available.
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Members of the public are advised to stay away from the area while emergency operations continue.
UPDATE:05:57 A specialist High Volume Pump has been called to the scene to assist in tackling the blaze further appliances from Kent have been called along with height vehicle. Fire Crews from the London Fire Brigade have been called to provide fire cover in the Kent area at a number of stations.
