Containership fire controlled--crew all safe UNALASKA, AK (kucb) - The engine room of a 781-foot containership caught fire around 12:30 am Friday when it was traveling about 700 miles south of Unalaska towards Panama. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd class Levi Read says the Coast Guard sent a C-130 plane and re-routed the Cutter Mellon to assist with the fire.

"On our way there the container ship called back and said that the fire was extinguished and that they no longer needed Coast Guard assistance," Read said.

Even after the C-130 was turned away, the Cutter Mellon was in route to the Malta-flagged, Israeli-owned vessel but earlier this afternoon the crew said it was unnecessary. The owners of he India Lotus, Ofer Brothers Properties, contracted for a tow. They also contracted for a delivery of food and water from Unalaska to replace what was lost during the fire. None of the 32 people onboard are reported injured.
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