Planck Vision Systems manufactures thermal imaging solutions for portable inspection and 24/7 monitoring of commercial applications including: Early Fire Detection, Manufacturing, Substations and Tunnels, Electrical Panel/Cabinets, Storage Facilities, Data Centers and Elevated Body Temperature Screening. Our company is headquartered in Santa Barbara CA, the capital of infrared sensing technologies in the United States.
On January 6, 2025, a fire broke out in the engine room of the Marshall Islands-flagged cargo vessel Panoria off Taiwan’s southern coast, injuring four crew members. The fire occurred at around 5:00 p.m., about 23 nautical miles southwest of Oluanpi, Taiwan’s southernmost point. Although the crew extinguished the fire, the ship lost power, and all 21 crew members were evacuated. The direct losses from the incident are estimated at $1 million.
NEWS
On the evening of January 6, 2025, a fire broke out in the engine room of the Marshall Islands-flagged cargo vessel Panoria, causing significant disruption to both the vessel and its crew. The fire was reported at around 5:00 p.m., while the ship was sailing 23 nautical miles southwest of Taiwan’s southernmost point, Oluanpi. Despite the crew’s best efforts to extinguish the flames, the ship lost power and was left disabled in the open sea. The captain, recognizing the severity of the situation, requested an immediate evacuation of all 21 crew members.
The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration (CGA) responded promptly by dispatching five vessels to the scene. However, high waves reaching up to 12 feet hampered any attempt for ship-to-ship transfers. At around 7:00 p.m., a helicopter from Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense arrived and airlifted the four injured crew members to Kaohsiung International Airport. They were then transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Among the injured, one crew member suffered severe burns, while the other three had minor injuries.
The remaining 17 crew members stayed on board due to the unsafe sea conditions. Early on the morning of January 7, 2025, the tugboat Salvage Rigger, flagged in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, arrived to tow the disabled ship. It was accompanied by coast guard vessels for added security and guidance. The ship, expected to reach the Port of Kaohsiung by noon, continued to be escorted by the CGA to ensure safe passage.
The Panoria, a 50,000 dwt bulk carrier built in 2008 and operated by a Greek company, has faced safety issues in the past. During its last two port state control inspections in France and Indonesia, 19 deficiencies were identified, including issues with firefighting pumps and equipment. In fact, just two months ago, the ship was detained in Indonesia for deficiencies related to firefighting systems, sewage treatment, and oil filtering equipment. These issues were reportedly addressed during a follow-up inspection before the vessel left port.
The Taiwan Coast Guard’s Anping-class patrol vessel was the first to reach the Panoria at around 6:00 p.m. on January 6, but the rough seas made it impossible to approach the vessel directly. In response, the Maritime and Port Bureau’s Southern Maritime Affairs Center coordinated the deployment of the tugboat to safely tow the ship to Kaohsiung.
This incident highlights the importance of early fire detection systems in preventing disasters. With advanced thermal imaging systems such as Planck Vision Systems’ TRX600, TNC20 fixed mount, and TNC400PT thermal imaging cameras, cargo ships can have continuous surveillance of engine rooms and other critical areas.
These systems provide early warning signs of potential fires, which could have prevented the situation from escalating. Effective fire detection systems are crucial for reducing risks, preventing damage, and ensuring the safety of both the crew and the vessel in challenging maritime environments.
For cargo ships, Planck Vision Systems offers unparalleled protection solutions utilizing the advanced TRX600, TNC20 fixed mount, and the TNC400PT thermal imaging cameras. Designed for relentless monitoring and meticulous data analysis, our equipment is your sentinel in the demanding conditions of maritime transport. Our systems’ perpetual oversight detects crucial trends and irregularities, providing a fortified layer of defense against threats to cargo safety and integrity. Whether navigating tranquil or turbulent seas, rely on Planck Vision Systems for steadfast cargo protection, mitigating losses and shielding assets from the unforeseen.
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