A large-scale emergency response is underway in Gravesend this morning after a serious fire broke out on board a cargo ship moored along the River Thames.
The vessel, named SIDER OLYMPIA, is a bulk carrier sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands. Measuring nearly 180 metres in length, the ship became engulfed in flames in the early hours of Sunday morning, prompting a rapid response from multiple emergency agencies.
Extensive Multi-Agency Response
Firefighters from both Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the London Fire Brigade are at the scene, supported by a fleet of 15 fire engines, a high-volume pump, an aerial ladder platform, a height vehicle, technical rescue teams, drone units, and specialist marine crews.
[data-ps-embed-type=slideshow] > iframe {position: absolute;top: 0;left: 0;}
_psEmbed(“https://uknip.photoshelter.com”);
The London Fire Brigade fire boat ‘Errington’ has also been launched to fight the blaze from the river, alongside the London Coastguard and UK Coastguard rescue teams from Gravesend. The massive operation continues to unfold along the town’s waterfront.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRP6QXZO45Q
Emergency services were first alerted to the incident just after midnight, when a fire was spotted aboard the SIDER OLYMPIA. Witnesses reported a vivid orange glow coming from one of the ship’s large storage bunkers. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus boarded the vessel with hoses and began working to cool the top decks and tackle the intense heat.
Unknown Cargo and Ongoing Risk
It remains unclear what cargo is on board the ship, and whether any potentially hazardous materials are involved. Authorities have confirmed that no injuries have been reported so far and all crew members are accounted for.
Due to the vessel’s size and complexity, the firefighting effort is expected to continue for several hours. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and a joint investigation between fire and maritime authorities is expected to begin once the situation is under control.
Public Safety and Advice
Kent Police officers are on site assisting with cordons and crowd control, while the Port of London Authority is also believed to be monitoring the situation. Residents and members of the public have been urged to avoid the area to allow emergency services space to operate.
A source for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said:
“This is a highly complex incident involving a large vessel. Our crews are working closely with partner agencies, including the London Fire Brigade and Coastguard, to bring the fire under control and ensure everyone’s safety. We thank the public for their patience and cooperation.”
We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available. Anyone with footage or information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact authorities.
Stay with us for the latest updates.
