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1. The evacuated sailors have successfully landed. (It has been confirmed that a Thai rescued sailor has unfortunately passed away)
2. Four missing sailors have not yet been found (two from the Philippines, one from South Africa, and one from India, respectively).
3. Three rescue and firefighting ships have arrived at the scene, and the fire has been brought under control.
4. There is no open flame left. But almost all the deck containers in the living area were burned and collapsed before. There is still a possibility of a new explosion. Because there are oil tanks near the container hold of the ship, fuel is prone to explosion when exposed to high temperatures and heat.
The latest photo from the Indian Coast Guard shows that the fire on the deck of the Maersk Haonan container ship has been extinguished and burned to ashes
Although the fire on the Haonan escalated on the evening of March 9th, after being extinguished by the Indian Coast Guard, the ship's fire was "brought under control" and they still did not find the missing crew member, who is likely still on board.
The container ship only had no major fire on its surface. The major fire accident caused by the Haonan ship was mainly an internal fire in the cargo hold. Is there a fire in the oil tank near the cargo hold? Has the fuel quick closing valve been closed when the crew abandons the ship? Has the cargo hold CO2 fire extinguishing system been used? Many issues still need to be investigated.
According to foreign media reports, there is still a possibility of a new explosion on the container ship MAERSK HONAM. Because there are oil tanks near the container hold of the ship, fuel is prone to explosion when exposed to high temperatures and heat. The announcement by India that the fire is under control this time, if true, will ultimately be good news in the midst of misfortune.
At present, the open fire has been controlled, and the smoldering white smoke continues. It will take some time to completely extinguish the fire. From the photos, it can be seen that almost all the containers on Bay (2,6,10,14,18,22) on the front deck of the living area at the bow of the ship have collapsed and burned out, and all the containers in front of the living area have already been burned out., Looking back at the photos of the fire that day, it is suspected that Bay 14 was on fire.
MAERSK HONAM is an H-Class container ship under Maersk. Considering the dual island structure of the H-Class ship, if the fire is properly controlled, the container in the living area of the ship should not continue to be "implicated".
A comprehensive investigation will be launched as soon as possible
On the evening of March 9th, the Indian Coast Guard stated that the fire had been extinguished and there was no threat of pollution. According to the pictures on site, there is no open fire, but almost all the deck containers in the living area have been burned and collapsed, and the containers located in the front of the ship have been burned and severely damaged. It will take some time to completely extinguish the fire.
The cause of the fire is currently unclear. According to officials from the Indian Coast Guard, a violent explosion occurred at the time of the incident, followed by a large fire. The explosion occurred on the bridge of the ship. Maersk Shipping also stated that the fire started in the cargo hold, not on the deck.
Industry insiders have stated that the fire in the cargo hold is highly likely caused by the concealment of dangerous goods. According to the Indian Times Hindu daily, citing the official statement of the Indian Coast Guard, "These containers contain flammable liquids and solids, oxidizable substances, toxic and infectious substances, as well as corrosive goods that cannot come into contact with humans
It is understood that the fire area is loaded with a declared level of 3 (flammable liquid); 4 (flammable solids, self igniting materials, and flammable materials in contact with moisture); 5 (oxidants and organic peroxides); 8 (corrosive products); 9 (miscellaneous) dangerous goods, which is also why they were burned so fiercely.
Maersk Shipping stated, "We are grateful for the support provided by all relevant parties in India. We now need to have our maritime professional rescue team fully work. It is too early to determine the cause of the fire and its impact on ships and cargo. However, it is crucial for us to find the cause of the fire. A comprehensive investigation will be launched as soon as possible
Although it may take time for the fire to be finally extinguished, the accident investigation, and the determination of losses, the losses of the cargo owner are unavoidable, including possible losses such as cargo damage and delayed delivery, as well as inevitable general average expenses. Freight forwarders and non vessel carriers will also face claims from customers.
Definition of general average
General Average is a unique legal system in maritime law, which refers to the special sacrifice or additional expenses incurred by ships carrying goods during sea transportation, in order to protect the ship and goods from common danger and intentionally take reasonable measures, which should be shared by all beneficiaries to share the losses.
So far, the provisions on general average in various countries are not unified, and there is no unified international convention on general average internationally. There is only one folk adjustment rule, namely the York Antwerp Rules. For a long time, this rule has become international practice and adjusted the general average system. The provisions of the York Antwerp Rules stipulate that in order to ensure the common safety of ships, goods, and other property on the same sea voyage, special sacrifices or special expenses are intentionally and reasonably made to keep the relevant property out of danger. Only in this case can there be a general average act.
The following conditions must be met
a. Ships, goods, and other property must face a common danger.
b. The measures taken must be intentional and reasonable.
c. The sacrifices made and the expenses paid must be special.
d. The measures taken must be effective, that is, they must lift the ship, cargo, or other property out of danger.
General average adjustment agency
Chinese accounting institutions
The Average Council Office of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) is the only average council body in China approved by the Ministry of Commerce for filing with the State Council.
The most influential and representative accounting institution abroad
The Richard Hogg International Association of Adjusters is the most influential average adjustment institution internationally, with branches in many countries and regions around the world.
How to handle general average
1. Once a general average is established, according to maritime law, the carrier may dispose of the relevant goods within a reasonable limit without paying the general average contribution fee to the carrier and providing appropriate guarantees.
2. The carrier will send a letter to the cargo party, which states "Please pay special attention, unless the cargo party provides a satisfactory guarantee to the shipowner, the shipowner will not release the goods", and there is a format guarantee letter accompanying the letter.
3. For the cargo party without total loss, they must sign a "General Average Agreement" before they can obtain their goods from the shipowner.
General Average Operation Procedure
1. If the cargo party has insured for marine insurance, the cost of general average will be settled by the adjustment agency with the insurance company afterwards, and the cargo party will not be responsible for it.
2. If the cargo party has not insured for marine insurance, the cargo party needs to directly communicate with the adjustment agency designated by the shipowner, provide relevant original stamped documents such as AVERAGE BOND and invoice, and pay a deposit to the adjustment bank before picking up the goods.