According to the Moroccan state television news channel SNRTnews, on the afternoon of 30th local time, a bulk carrier named ‘Toro Rosso’ (91,384 tonnes deadweight) was anchored about 10.8 kilometres off the Moroccan port of Jorf Lasfar, when its engine exploded and subsequently caused a fire. A fire ensued. At the time of the incident, the vessel was carrying a crew of 28, mostly of Syrian nationality.
It is reported that the Toro Rosso was anchored near the port of Jorf Lasfar, waiting to be loaded with phosphate fertiliser. At the time of the fire, the ship was about eight nautical miles from shore, a distance that made the rescue operation more difficult and complex.
Moroccan authorities said the remains of three victims were initially removed from the ship. Reports suggest that up to a dozen more people may have suffered severe burns, and were evacuated by the pilot boat and several tugboats before being transferred to shore by two helicopters for treatment.
The latest news indicates that a further four crew members have sadly passed away as a result of their injuries, and a search and rescue operation for the vessel is still underway. So far, the number of fatalities has been confirmed at seven, with nine injured receiving further treatment in hospital. The remaining crew members have been safely evacuated and are being cared for by the port authorities.
The port of Jorf Lasfar, an important fertiliser export port, set a new record last year for handling the 100,000 dwt Patricia Oldendorff, which was loading cargo for India. Port officials emphasised that strict safety measures are always adhered to and enforced on the part of the port when loading and unloading dangerous goods to ensure the safety of personnel and facilities.
https://www.cnss.com.cn/html/gkdt/20240603/353581.html
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