What Crew Members Say About Altay

On June 27, the cargo hold of the 'Altay' ignited, sending toxic fumes into the air over Hull, and a recent preliminary report from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has suggested that the disastrous fire may have stemmed from an undischarged battery or another ignition source. These sparks occurred during the loading of scrap metal into the vessel. The incident uncovered gaps in safety protocols, particularly a lack of dockside inspections to identify hazardous materials within the scrap pile. The 'Altay', operated by Beyaz Denizcilik Ltd., was set to receive scrap metal from various suppliers, with the expectation that those suppliers would filter out any dangerous items, including batteries and other combustibles. While incoming deliveries in Hull were subjected to visual checks, there was no comprehensive sorting or screening process to ensure the cargo was free of hazardous impurities. The MAIB findings revealed that although the cargo had initially been classified as conventional non-hazardous scrap metal according to international maritime regulations for bulk shipping, it contained dangerous materials like batteries and oil drums, creating a substantial fire risk. Following the fire, which caused extensive damage to the structural integrity of the aft cargo hold, Griffiths Group Ltd., the operator of the loading facility at Albert Dock, ceased operations. After thorough inspections, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency permitted the 'Altay' to depart a month later for Tuzla, where necessary repairs were completed by October 19. The ship then docked in Sète on November 4. In light of this incident, Beyaz Denizcilik Ltd. has emphasized the critical need for robust cargo load monitoring and pre-loading inspections among its crew members. For a detailed report with accompanying photographs, visit: https://www.thehullstory.com/allarticles/ship-fire-investigation-report

Efforts to determine the cause of the fire that broke out aboard the cargo ship 'Altay' continue as of July 1. The vessel, carrying 3,500 tons of scrap, is currently docked at Albert Dock in Hull and remains stationary while investigations proceed. Firefighters are currently viewing the incident as likely accidental. The Humberside Fire and Rescue Service responded swiftly to the emergency call received on June 27 at approximately 10:20 a.m. BST. It took dedicated crews nearly 18 hours to extinguish the deep-seated blaze, with operations concluding around 5:00 a.m. BST on June 28. Further updates on the investigation will follow as authorities seek to establish a comprehensive understanding of this incident.

A significant fire on the cargo ship 'Altay' docked at Hull was successfully extinguished on June 28, following an intense 20-hour firefighting operation. The Humberside Fire and Rescue Service received an emergency call at approximately 10:20 a.m. BST on June 27, when flames erupted in a cargo hold filled with 3,500 tonnes of scrap metal. The incident led to a substantial smoke plume drifting across Hull's city centre. Fire crews managed to bring the situation under control by around 5:00 a.m. the following day, remaining on-site to prevent any possibility of reignition. Emergency responders, including teams from Humberside Fire and Rescue, HM Coastguard, and Humberside Police, were heavily involved in the operation. Up to five fire engines, an aerial platform, and specialized marine response units were deployed to tackle the blaze. As winds shifted, smoke was blown toward the city centre, prompting the police to close off local areas, including Kingston Retail Park, the Marina, English Street, Wellington Street, and Jackson Street. These restrictions were lifted later that evening. Additionally, the Hull Combined Court and Hull Magistrates' Court temporarily closed their doors, with many cases being postponed or moved to online hearings. In a precautionary measure, The Big Malarkey Festival venue in East Park was evacuated. For more details, including photos and videos, visit: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ceq7r84vpr4o

On June 27, 2025, at precisely 10:22 a.m. BST, Humberside Fire and Rescue teams were dispatched to tackle a fire reported in the cargo hold of the container vessel 'Altay'. The ship was docked at Albert Dock in Kingston-upon-Hull, carrying a cargo of scrap metal. Emergency responders including four fire engines, an aerial platform, the Hull Coastguard Rescue Team, and an ambulance swiftly arrived on the scene. Fortunately, all personnel aboard the 'Altay' were confirmed safe. In light of the situation, residents and local businesses received advisories to close their windows and doors. As the incident unfolded, a significant plume of grey smoke could be seen rising from the vessel, affecting visibility and prompting the closure of shops along Commercial Road, Kingston Retail Park, and Kingston Street. The 'Altay' had departed from IJmuiden on June 22, 2025, and docked in Hull on June 23. For further updates and visual coverage, visit: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgwpv7qgv3o