China says still investigating cause of deadly cargo ship fire

China has announced it is still investigating the cause of a deadly fire on a foreign-flagged cargo ship that took place earlier this week, according to state media.

The bulk carrier, identified as the Ocean Melody, was docked in the eastern Chinese port city of Qingdao with 42 people on board when the fire broke out early Thursday morning. Seventeen individuals were successfully evacuated from the vessel, including five who sustained injuries. Unfortunately, 25 people lost their lives in the blaze.

Firefighter Hao Xiang, who participated in the firefighting efforts, described the intense heat inside the ship's cargo hold to state broadcaster CCTV. He noted that the hot steam released during the fire melted away the accumulated oil grime, creating a slippery surface for firefighters to navigate.

Another firefighter, unnamed, provided additional details about the fire's temperature. Using an infrared thermometer, he measured the blaze's heat at approximately 85 degrees Celsius (185 degrees Fahrenheit), describing the scene as "ablaze" with flames originating from the ship's bottom.

Experts from various parts of China were dispatched to the port of Qingdao to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. State media published images showcasing numerous rescue workers at the scene, with fire engines and trucks arranged along the port. One CCTV video circulated on social media depicted a fire and rescue worker guiding a reporter inside the damaged ship, pointing out fire-damaged equipment and white ash.

The fire ignited around 11:15 AM local time (0315 GMT) on Thursday and was successfully brought under control by 2:30 PM, as reported by state media. A witness from a nearby residential compound described seeing thick smoke emanating from the ship but did not hear any explosion.

Although the vessel's identity has not been officially confirmed, visual evidence such as photos and videos display the ship's front prominently displaying the name "Ocean Melody." According to vessel-tracking website MarineTraffic, the Ocean Melody is a 190-meter-long (623-foot) bulk carrier sailing under the Liberian flag.