If you have insured cargo on board the following vessels and would like us to assist you in pursuing any claims arising from these incidents (or any similar cases), or if you require assistance in providing GA or salvage guarantees, please contact us as soon as possible.
Date: 06 June 2023 Type: Fire Voyage: African and Indian Ocean Ports
Reports have been received that Panamanian flag vessel MSC RITA (89,954gt, built 2005) suffered a fire on board on Tuesday this week.
One crew member was injured and had to be evacuated by helicopter.
MSC RITA is still on fire, and fire-fighting vessels are in attendance. There is likely to be damage to any cargo in the aft part of the containership, although the vessel is clearly not fully laden.
MSC RITA was on a voyage from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Prior to the incident the vessel had called at the following ports, and sailed on these dates:
Ngqura – 21 May
Tema – 11 May
Abidjan – 7 May
Colombo – 14 April
Mundra – 8 April
Nhava Sheva – 5 April
MSC RITA’s registered owners are a Panamanian corporation but beneficial ownership is likely to be with companies associated with the MSC. The vessel’s liabilities are insured with North Standard P&I Club.
As well as cargo damage, it is possible that claims for salvage and general average will arise as a result of this incident.
