Crane catches fire at Vizag port

Visakhapatnam: A Harbour Mobile Crane, owned by Seapol Port Private Limited at WQ-7 berth at Visakhapatnam Port Trust, went into flames during early hours on Monday. The incident took place at the vessel M V Yasa Falcon Ceilo Di Francisco while unloading DAP into the vessel in the engine room. The vessel was later shifted to a safe zone, away from the berth and the crane operator got off the crane safely, according to sources.

VPT deployed its fire float, shore fire tenders and water tankers for controlling the fire.

The cause of fire prima-facie appears to be short circuit in the engine room of HMC. There are no casualties or injuries and the loss caused to HMC is yet to be assessed. Operations resumed immediately after extinguishing the fire at the berth and the situation came under control.

It may be noted that two cranes met with a similar fate in a gap of 15 days turns out to be a cause for concern over the safety issues at the port and gives rise to suspicion. A couple of weeks ago, a crane was damaged at WQ-1 berth of the port.