Dubai: A fire that broke out at 8:30 am in Dubai Creek Port was put out at 11.30am.
Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Mohammad Al Mazyoud, Director of Ports Police Stations, said that at 8:30 am, a call was received from the operations room about a dhow fire in Berth 1, Dubai Creek port near Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
The fire, which was caused by a generator placed inside the first ship to remove water, spread to another ship because the blaze reached 40 barrels of diesel, added Al Mazyoud.
Minor injuries
A sailor sustained minor injuries from inhaling smoke, no other casualties were reported.
The first ship, which comes from Iran, was burnt completely. The second ship sustained some damage to the front and some of the goods on board.
“Teams from Civil Defence, police operations and the Dubai Municipality Antipollution marine patrols worked to clear the entire port from other ships with the help of Dubai Customs, and seal off the berth from nearby road while maintaining smooth flow of traffic to road leading to the Dubai Lands Department,” said Al Mazyoud.
Generator
The fire was caused due to the generator being placed inside the ship, instead of onboard.
The ports police is still investigating the fire, while the captain and sailors of the ship have been arrested for causing a fire and damage to others properties and public properties as a result of negligence.
The fire was hard to control, because there were 40 barrels of diesel inside the ship.
Dubai Civil Defence
Earlier it was reported that the Dubai Civil Defence said that a dhow was on fire and that firefighters are trying to douse the fire.
The incident happened in the creek opposite the National Bank of Dubai, close to the Ports and Customs authority office.
The fire spread onto a second dhow, trees nearby and one or two cars parked in the area, according to one onlooker. He added that the dhow was carrying tyres. However, these details could not be officially confirmed yet.
"I can see thick smoke billowing from the area," said a man who works in the locality. He said he first saw the smoke around 8.45 am.
Meanwhile, another fire that broke in Karama behind the British Embassy was put off earlier this morning, officials said.
Dhow on fire: A dhow boat catches fire at Deira Creek in Dubai and the flames spread to a second boat, nearby trees and parked cars.
By Dr. Sabet Salahia, Videography
