Cargo ship gutted in fire at Port Rashid

An Iran-bound cargo launch was totally gutted in a fire at the Port Rashid, Bur Dubai, on Sunday night.

“After the launch was filled with cargo, it tilted to one side, causing water logging. Staff tried to pump out water and that is when the fire started. It could have been started from the motor pump,” said a source, which was present at the site of the accident.

The fire caused panic around the port last night.

“We could see huge plumes of smoke and flames emerging from the launch. Three Civil Defence units reached the spot and the fire was brought under control after more than two hours of fire-fighting,” said one eye witness.

No casualties have been reported so far, according to the source familiar with the incident.