The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) reports that swift and coordinated action successfully averted a potential disaster following a fire that broke out aboard the vessel MV “MSC CAPETOWN III”, a container vessel berthed at Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) of Port of Colombo. The vessel, which is part of the East Africa Service or South Asia – East Africa Service (DAR ES SALAM SERVICE), was discharging 995 boxes and loading 880 boxes at the time of the incident.
The MSC CAPETOWN III, an 18-year-old container ship built in 2006, bearing IMO number 9311737 and sailing under the flag of Madeira, arrived at JCT from Singapore in the early hours of August 11, 2024. The vessel was also carrying 596 through cargo containers (out-port containers). The incident occurred in the 41/43 hatch area, where a fire initiated in the vicinity of 100 under-deck containers and 60 on-deck containers. This fire eventually escalated to an explosion.
SLPA’s Director of Port Operations, H.J.K.U. Kumara, commented, ‘The vessel berthed at our terminal showed no prior signs of fire. However, during operations, our team identified the precise location from which the smoke was originating, leading to an explosion. Our firefighters, led by the Harbour Master and in collaboration with other port services, acted swiftly to extinguish the fire and safely remove the affected cargo”.
He further added, “Our timely and decisive actions prevented what could have been a catastrophic event. Investigations into the cause of the fire and the status of the cargo are ongoing.” SLPA remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all vessels and cargo within its jurisdiction, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely as investigations proceed.
