Death toll rises to 20 after cargo ship fire at China port

Beijing: At least 20 people were killed, and five remained missing after a cargo ship docked for repairs caught fire at a port in northeastern China, Chinese state media reported Thursday.

The fire broke out around 11 a.m. at Beihai Shipbuilding Co. in Qingdao, a major shipping hub on China’s northeastern coast. The blaze was extinguished by about 2:30 p.m., according to Xinhua news agency.

The vessel, identified by Xinhua as the Ocean Melody, was sailing under a Liberian flag, according to vessel-tracking website VesselFinder.

A total of 42 people were aboard the ship when the fire broke out. Twelve were safely evacuated, while five others were injured and taken to hospital, Xinhua reported. Their condition was stable.

The latest death toll marks an increase from the earlier reports as rescue and search operations continued for those still missing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping issued “important instructions” calling for urgent efforts to rescue those missing, while Premier Li Qiang called for “trapped” people to be rescued, Xinhua reported.

Xi also called for ensuring “preventive measures are thoroughly implemented” and to “resolutely prevent major and catastrophic accidents.”

Beihai Shipbuilding is part of state-controlled China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the world’s largest shipbuilder. Its main businesses include shipbuilding and ship repairs, according to the company’s website.