Maersk Container Ship's Lucky Escape

While unloading 'Maesrk Kinloss' dockers in Iliychevsk, Ukraine, spotted several containers damaged by explosion.

The container, which caused the explosion was loaded with the dangerous cargo of aluminum phosphide in a cargo hold, according to 'Longshore & Shipping News'. The subsequent fire caused damage to the container and also serious damage to nearby containers.

On board Maersk Kinloss was a total of 2082 containers, 683 of which were discharged in the port of Iliychevsk. The dock workers found 3 TEU with the cargoes aluminium phosphide and oxidizer, which were stowed in the cargo hold, in violation of the carriage of dangerous cargo safety regulations.

It was thought that the main reason for the accident, and violation of the stowage regulations, might be incorrect declaration of cargo.

The port authorities evacuated the ship and vicinity, as the burning aluminium phosphide is highly poisonous. Two emergency teams were sent to the scene of the accident to check the atmosphere on Maersk Kinloss. The port authorities started an investigation of the accident.