On February 20, 2025, a fire broke out on the Grande Brasile, a 25-year-old cargo ship, off the coast of Ramsgate, Kent, at approximately 9:35 a.m. The ship was en route from Le Havre, France, to Antwerp, Belgium. The fire was confined to one deck of the vessel, and fire-suppression systems were activated immediately. An international rescue mission, involving the UK, France, and Belgium, was launched, with firefighting vessels dispatched to control the fire.


Planck Vision Systems: Fire Breaks Out on Grande Brasile Cargo Ship, $4 Million Loss, International Rescue Mission Launched

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On February 20, 2025, a fire broke out aboard the Grande Brasile, a 25-year-old cargo ship, approximately 15 nautical miles off the coast of Ramsgate, Kent. The fire started just after 9:30 a.m., while the vessel was traveling from Le Havre, France to Antwerp, Belgium. According to the HM Coastguard, the fire occurred on one deck of the vessel, and immediately after the incident, fire-suppression systems were activated. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

The fire prompted an international rescue mission, with teams from the UK, France, and Belgium mobilized to assist in controlling the fire. RNLI lifeboats from Dover and Ramsgate were dispatched to the scene at around 10:00 a.m., and a French firefighting vessel also joined the mission to combat the blaze. In addition, a Dutch coastguard vessel was seen patrolling the area to ensure no other threats developed.

The Grande Brasile had a crew on board, but all personnel were safely evacuated without incident. The fire, although severe, was contained and brought under control thanks to the prompt actions of the onboard fire-suppression systems and external firefighting efforts. At the time of reporting, the ship was no longer in danger of sinking or spreading the fire further.

The financial damage caused by the fire is estimated at $4 million, including the cost of repairing the vessel and the financial impact of operational delays. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, this incident highlights the critical importance of effective fire prevention and early detection systems, especially on large cargo ships.

For cargo vessels like the Grande Brasile, relying on early fire detection systems is crucial. Planck Vision Systems provides advanced thermal imaging solutions, such as the TRX600, TNC20, and TNC400PT thermal cameras, that can monitor for abnormal heat signatures before fires erupt. These systems enable operators to detect and address potential fire hazards long before visible smoke and flames become apparent.

With a commitment to continuous monitoring and data analysis, Planck Vision Systems offers unparalleled protection to cargo ships, ensuring that valuable assets are safeguarded against fire and other risks that can threaten vessel safety. By implementing early detection systems, shipping operators can minimize losses, reduce damage, and prevent the loss of life.

source:mirror.co.uk


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