Container ship TSS Pearl (IMO 9339868) was reported to have suffered a major fire on board while in the Red Sea on October 5th when north-west of the Farasan Islands, Saudi Arabia.
Thick black smoke was billowing from burning containers, the superstructure was engulfed in smoke and probably fire.
All 25 crew abandoned the ship and were rescued, reportedly by a Good Samaritan passing tanker. They were later taken by the Saudi Arabia Coast Guard and disembarked at Jazan Port, where all were reported safe.
Passing ships in the area were giving the burning ship’s location a wide berth as there were fears of toxic smoke, fumes and explosions.
The fire in the container stacks was said to be at the stern of the vessel, immediately forward of the accommodation block.
WK Webster said that it had instructed a fire engineer to investigate the cause of the fire
Latest AIS from October 5th has vessel as Not Under Command, en route from Jeddah to Aden.
2008-built, Panama-flagged, 23,633 gt container ship TSS Pearl is owned by Rafidain Shipping In care of manager Tehama Shipping Services Co LLC of Dubai, UAE. It is entered with American Club on behalf of Rafidain Shipping Inc.