Fire Breaks Out on Bulk Carrier at Cardiff Dock

A fire has broken out aboard the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Federal Welland while the vessel was moored at Queen Alexandra Dock in Cardiff, United Kingdom.

The ship was carrying approximately 20,000 tonnes of scrap metal when the blaze started on August 25. All crew members are reported to be safe, and authorities have said the incident does not currently pose an immediate danger to the public.

The fire spread to the vessel’s scrap metal cargo, producing large clouds of smoke that could be seen across the surrounding area, including Cardiff Bay and Penarth. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service launched a major emergency response to tackle the blaze.

Firefighters are using a combination of boats, drones and firefighting tugs as efforts continue to bring the fire under control. The tug VB Yorkshireman has reportedly been using its water cannon to direct water onto the burning cargo.

Public Health Wales has advised people living and working in areas affected by the smoke to keep their windows and doors closed until the fire has been extinguished and the smoke has dispersed.

Members of the public have also been asked not to operate drones near the incident. Authorities warned that unauthorized drones could interfere with both firefighting efforts and official aerial operations taking place around the vessel.