Ship fire likely caused by battery, report finds

A major fire in a cargo ship was "likely caused by an undischarged battery or other ignition source", a report has found.

The Altay was loading scrap metal in Hull's Albert Dock on the morning of 27 June when the blaze broke out.

Nearby roads and businesses were shut as a "noxious cloud" drifted over the local area as firefighters tackled flames throughout the day and night.

The blaze was finally put out the following morning.

An investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) found that "the scrap cargo contained hazardous impurities, including batteries, oil drums, and oily residues, which posed a fire risk".

The report added that cargo had been collected from a variety of sources and the company that handled the scrap, The Griffiths Group Limited, "expected its suppliers to screen their product to remove hazardous material such as combustibles and batteries".

The firm has ceased trading following the incident, the MAIB said.

No one was injured in the incident, although the ship was damaged and required repairs.

The MAIB said the fire highlighted "the importance of cargo loading monitoring and cargo pre-loading inspection".

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