A China cargo ship fire at a Qingdao shipyard has killed 25 people, according to Chinese state media.
The blaze broke out on Thursday aboard the foreign-flagged bulk carrier Ocean Melody while the vessel was undergoing maintenance.
There were 42 people on board when the fire started. Rescue teams evacuated 12 people, while five others suffered injuries and received hospital treatment.
Fire Breaks Out During Ship Repairs
The China cargo ship fire began at around 11:15 a.m. local time at the Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding yard.
The vessel was undergoing repair and inspection work when flames spread through the ship.
Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze by about 2:30 p.m. However, rescuers continued searching the vessel for people who were still missing.
By Thursday evening, authorities had found 25 missing people. None showed signs of life, according to state media.
Ocean Melody Was Carrying 42 People
The ship involved was identified as the Ocean Melody, a 190-metre bulk carrier sailing under the Liberian flag.
The vessel had been at the Qingdao shipyard for maintenance. It arrived at the facility on August 31, according to ship-tracking data cited by Reuters.
A video released by Chinese state media showed rescuers moving across the ship’s decks as emergency crews worked at the scene.
Several fire engines and ambulances also gathered alongside the vessel.
Cause of China Cargo Ship Fire Remains Unknown
Authorities have not yet announced what caused the China cargo ship fire.
A witness living near the shipyard told AFP that he saw thick smoke rising from the vessel.
However, he said he did not hear an explosion or notice a strong smell before the emergency response began.
Investigators are expected to examine the repair work and safety conditions at the shipyard as part of the inquiry.
Xi Jinping Orders Investigation
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for stronger rescue efforts and a swift investigation into the deadly incident.
He also urged authorities to identify those responsible and improve fire-safety measures.
Xi said officials should learn from the disaster and conduct thorough checks for potential fire hazards.
Premier Li Qiang also called for rescuers to help anyone trapped and prevent further accidents.
Qingdao Is a Major Shipping Hub
Qingdao is one of China’s major maritime centers.
The port connects the city with hundreds of ports around the world and plays an important role in international shipping.
The Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding yard operates under China State Shipbuilding Corporation, one of the country’s largest state-owned shipbuilding groups.
China Faces Recent Industrial Accidents
The deadly ship fire comes after several other serious industrial accidents in China.
Authorities have faced renewed pressure to strengthen workplace and fire safety following recent disasters.
In August, an explosion and fire at a shipyard in Fujian killed a fire and rescue worker and injured 12 others, according to state media.
China has also launched campaigns to identify fire hazards after other deadly fires and industrial incidents.
Investigation Into Deadly Blaze Continues
The China cargo ship fire has raised fresh questions about safety during ship maintenance and repair work.
For now, authorities have not confirmed what triggered the blaze.
Investigators will examine the ship, the repair operations and safety procedures at the Qingdao yard.
The focus now remains on establishing the cause of the fire and determining whether safety rules were followed.
