What Crew Members Say About Florida

On February 16, 2025, emergency services sprang into action following a reported fire aboard the tanker 'Florida', navigating the New Merwede between Papendrecht and Dordrecht, close to the N3 bridge. The incident triggered a swift response involving numerous fire engines, the dedicated fire boat team, KNRM, and Rijkswaterstaat, all converging at the Coal Port located on Kerkeplaat in Dordrecht. Fortunately, it was determined that there was no active fire on the vessel; rather, the tanker’s engine had experienced a blowout, resulting in some smoke. To ensure safety, another vessel laden with containers assisted by securing the 'Florida' alongside. Firefighters from the fire boat promptly boarded to conduct thorough safety checks. After assessing the situation, both inland vessels proceeded to the Coal Port, where the tanker was secured to mooring poles. With the tanker unloaded and no reported injuries, a comprehensive investigation followed, although no fire was discovered onboard. Subsequently, the responsibility for the situation was handed over to Rijkswaterstaat for further proceedings. For media coverage including photos and videos, visit the following links: https://drechtstedenvandaag.nl/hulpdiensten-opgeroepen-voor-brand-op-een-binnenvaartschip-tanker-op-de-nieuwe-merwede/ https://www.papendrecht.net/nieuws/112518/opgeblazen-motor-binnenvaarschip-zorgt-voor-rookontwikkeling-op-merwede https://www.ad.nl/112-nieuws-papendrecht/brandweer-verkent-tanker-op-beneden-merwede-bij-papendrecht-na-brandmelding~ae04fdc9.