Cargo Ship Fire in Chinese Port Kills at Least 20, Five Missing

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, a fire aboard a cargo ship undergoing repairs at the port of Qingdao, China, has claimed the lives of at least 20 people, with five others still unaccounted for. The vessel was docked at the Beihai Shipyard in Qingdao, a significant maritime hub on China’s northeastern coast.

Xinhua identified the ship as the ‘Ocean Melody,’ sailing under the flag of Liberia. Of the 42 individuals on board when the incident began, 12 were safely evacuated, and five were transported to the hospital with injuries, all of whom are reported to be in stable condition.

The blaze, which started around 11 a.m. local time on Thursday, was brought under control by 2:30 p.m. local time.

Xinhua reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping issued important directives for immediate search and rescue operations for the missing individuals. Premier Li Qiang also emphasized the urgency of rescuing those trapped on the ship.