Casualty News
MV QING HUA SHAN
Date
September 26, 2025
Type
Fire in cargo hold at Southampton
Reports have been received that MV QING HUA SHAN experienced a fire in cargo hold No. 3 while berthed at berth 109, Dock Gate 20, Southampton, United Kingdom, on 26 September 2025.
It is understood that the vessel was carrying scrap metal as cargo. The fire was initially reported to have spread from hold No. 3 into hold No. 4, but it has since been contained. Firefighting operations involved the use of 160 canisters of CO₂ and boundary cooling. More than 40 firefighters attended the scene. Crews have since been scaled down, though monitoring continues with gas detection and temperature checks every 30 minutes.
All 22 crew members were safely evacuated and accounted for, and no injuries have been reported. The fire remains contained away from the fuel tanks and accommodation block. No pollution has been reported. Operations continue to replace and restock empty CO₂ canisters before any cargo hatches can be opened for further inspection.
The vessel’s last port of call before the accident was an undisclosed port (the vessel arrived at Southampton on 25 September) and it was alongside at berth 109 when the incident occurred.
As well as cargo damage, claims for salvage and general average will arise from this incident.
If you are the cargo insurers for goods on board this vessel and require assistance the any claims arising, then please do not hesitate to contact us. We can assist with:
Arranging cargo damage surveys
Investigating the cause of the incident
Recovery of losses on NO CURE NO PAY terms
Provision of Salvage Guarantees (for a premium starting from 0.4% of guarantee amount)
Handling of Salvage claims (without the need for lawyers)
Providing Average Guarantees
Handling of GA claims
Defence of GA claims in NO CURE NO PAY terms