Australia: Freighter 'dead in the water' after fatal fire

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Freighter 'dead in the water' after fatal fire

A Greek freighter remains dead in the water off Western Australia's north-west coast after an engine room fire that killed two crew members.

The fire broke out late last night as the 150,000 tonne ship, XL, approached the iron ore town of Port Hedland to load bulk cargo.

The blaze was brought under control, but the engine room could not be entered for several hours because of heat and smoke.

Dampier Port control officer Tony Waldron says it may be some time before the ship can get underway again.

"The ship at the moment is drifting... it's dead in the water, with no machinery operating," he said.

"They're waiting for the owner's representative to get to Port Hedland, then fly out to the ship where he'll assess the situation. "

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newslink/nat/newsnat-11nov2000-42.htm

-- Carl Jenkins (somewherepress@aol.com), November 10, 2000


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