News / Crew members airlifted to hospital after MSC box ship catches fire

MSC Rachele crew rescue off Toulon France Credit Préfecture maritime de la Méditerranée

A fire on the 8,238 teu MSC Rachele on Tuesday injured three crew, who have been airlifted to hospital in France, and rendered the vessel inoperable.

The carrier has confirmed that the vessel had been towed to Fos-Sur-Mer after an explosion in the engine room caused by the fire, injured the three seafarers.

“We can confirm the incident on 21 June in the engine room of the MSC Rachele, on our Indus 2 service, while it was en route from Naples, Italy, to Fos-sur-Mer, France. The vessel has been towed to Fos-sur-Mer, where its condition will be assessed,” said the carrier.

Thanking the French navy for providing assistance to the vessel, MSC said preliminary reports suggested no containers had been lost or damaged and it would keep cargo owners updated on the ship’s movement and handling of their cargo.

“Protecting our seafarers and ensuring their safety and well-being is our top priority, and we have comprehensive health protection measures and safety protocols across our fleet. We are fully committed to continue striving for safer operations,” added the line.