Fire Breaks Out After Two Container Ships Collide At Westport, Port Klang

Authorities are still investigating the collision between two cargo vessels at Westport here, said Port Klang Authority (PKA) chairman Tan Sri Kong Cho Ha. There were no casualties in the collision on Tuesday which involved MV San Felipe and MV Al Riffa, he added.

Based on initial reports, the incident happened when San Felipe “made contact” with Al Riffa when it was approaching the berth. A fire started on both vessels after the collision, but the one on Al Riffa was extinguished at 8.30pm yesterday.

Kong said that San Felipe was towed to a secure area as the fire on it was still burning. “MV San Felipe was also taken away to avoid obstructing other vessels. “The authorities are working hard to extinguish the fire,” he said.

He explained that the authorities were having trouble extinguishing the fire on San Felipe because some of the cargo might be combustible goods. Kong also praised the fast response of relevant personnel to the collision.

Westports Malaysia chief operating officer Ian James said: “Even though we have not had an incident like this before, the relevant authorities’ response to the incident is a testament to the training and effort we have put into preparing for situations like this.” He added that the act of containing the fire fast saved the lives of those onboard the vessels.

The Star Online cited Port Klang Authority chairman Tan Sri Kong Cho Ha as confirming the incident as taking place at the shipping hub’s Westport around 8pm. No one has yet been reported injured.

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“The incident happened at Wharf 20 and three fire engines with 21 personnel from the Port Klang, Kota Raja and Andalas fire stations rushed to the scene to prevent the fire from getting out of control,” he said.

A Port Klang Fire and Rescue Services Department spokesman added that the fire on board of one of the ships named Al Riffa began raging and the vessel had to be towed 1km away from the wharf for safety reasons.

He added that the other ship, the San Felipe, was left on the wharf as the fire was manageable and quickly extinguished. “Several tug-boats were sent to the scene to douse the fire using seawater,” he said.