Ship on fire close to Namibian beach

Dramatic photo of the burning Chamarel, a cable laying vessel, from the beach of Mile 68 north of Hnetiesbay on the Namibian coast

Emergency crews form Swakopmund and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources had to come to the rescue of the crew of a cable lying vessel, the Chamarel, in the vicinity of Mile 68 north of Hentiesbay in the early hours of yesterday morning after a fire broke out on board. Initial and unconfirmed reports indicate that a fire broke out on the bridge of the ship and that the flames spread quickly to the rest of the vessel. A resident of Hentiesbay, Mr Leon Krauze, along with many other people was on the beach to witness this second drama at sea in as many weeks. He was one of the first people to take photographs of the drama and he was generous enough to share these pictures with the rest of the world. According to early reports the Nathanael Maxwilili law enforcement vessel belonging to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources had to come to the rescue of the crew of the burning ship. Members of the Chamarel’s crew were brought to safety in Walvis Bay. Namport and other relevant authorities will make an official report available later today.

- Namib Times