Cheshire

Atlantic Ocean, Canary Islands | Spain

The M/V Cheshire experienced a fire in its number 4 cargo hold off the coast of the Canary Islands. The vessel was en route from Norway to Thailand with a cargo of NPK (Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium) Fertilizer. The cargo began to heat up while underway causing a fire. After the fire, the Spanish Coast Guard rescued the crew and the ship was left adrift in the Atlantic Ocean. Resolve Marine was contracted under LOF terms to get the ship under control. Tugs were chartered and a helicopter was mobilized to aid in vessel boarding. Salvors and a firefighting team were mobilized from Rotterdam.

The tugs provided boundary cooling while the team was able to board the vessel using grappling hooks. A tow line was secured on the bow just before the number 1 cargo hold began to combust. With the vessel under control the cargo continued to decompose until the chemical reaction finished. It was then towed to Puerto Motril, Spain where the damaged cargo was discharged. After final surveys were completed, the Cheshire was towed to Turkey for scrapping.