Cargo Ship Fire in Hull Sends Thick Smoke Across City, Shuts Roads & Businesses
A cargo ship carrying scrap metal caught fire on Friday morning while moored at Albert Dock in Hull, blanketing the city in thick smoke. Emergency services rushed to the scene around 10 a.m. after reports of heavy smoke and a strong burning smell drifting through the city centre.
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that four fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were sent to tackle the blaze onboard the Altay, a Marshall Islands-registered dry bulk carrier. Ambulance crews and the Hull Coastguard Rescue Team also joined the emergency response at the dock.
Officials said the fire started in the ship’s cargo hold, where scrap metal was being stored. No injuries have been reported.
Due to wind conditions, smoke from the ship quickly spread into Hull’s city centre, causing visibility issues. Residents were advised to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. Humberside Fire and Rescue posted a public warning urging people to be careful if outside and to avoid the area near the dock.
Local businesses were forced to shut down for the day. Tina Riches, who manages HWM Van Hire, told media that after hearing warning alarms from the port, she had to close the business and inform customers they would not be able to access the premises. Police also informed her that an evacuation might be necessary.
The heavy smoke and emergency response also impacted Hull’s legal proceedings. HM Courts and Tribunals Service announced that hearings at both Hull Combined Court and Hull Magistrates’ Court were either adjourned or moved to online platforms. They added that any postponed hearings would be rescheduled soon.
Road closures were put in place across the city as a precaution, including Commercial Road, English Street, Jackson Street, Humber Dock Street, Wellington Street, and surrounding areas such as Kingston Retail Park, Odeon Cinema, and the Ice Arena. Motorists were warned to avoid the affected routes and to drive with caution.
Several residents took to social media to share their experiences. One person said they checked their plug sockets and computers thinking there was a fire in their building. Another said they had to shut all their windows after realizing the burning smell was coming from outside.
Port operator Associated British Ports confirmed the fire occurred in a tenanted area at Albert Dock and said they were supporting the fire service’s efforts.
According to shipping records, the Altay is an 8,814-deadweight-tonne dry bulk ship built in 2006, measuring 120 meters long and 17 meters wide. It sails under the flag of the Marshall Islands and had arrived in Hull on June 23 after departing from Ijmuiden, Netherlands.
In October 2024, the Altay was detained for two days during a Port State inspection in Venice, Italy, due to issues related to life-saving equipment maintenance, training for bridge operations, and overall readiness. A later inspection in Boulogne, France, showed no deficiencies.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
References: telegraph, independent