Firefighting and salvage operations involving the Greek-flagged ro-ro Blue Carrier 2 continued into a third day, with five tugboats operating around the vessel as crews worked to tackle remaining hotspots.
The Hellenic Coast Guard said the ship had been moved with the assistance of the salvage company and tugs to a sheltered position southwest of Tinos, where it remained safely while the response continued.
Five tugs involved in continuing response
In an update issued on 27 September, the Hellenic Coast Guard said five tugboats were operating in the area and that firefighting work was continuing because fire hotspots remained aboard the vessel.
The operation followed a major fire that broke out during the morning of Friday 25 September while Blue Carrier 2 was sailing in waters north of Mykonos.
The vessel was subsequently moved towards Tinos as firefighting and salvage teams worked to bring the incident under control and stabilise the ship.
All 29 people aboard evacuated safely
There were 29 people aboard Blue Carrier 2 when the fire broke out: 28 crew members and one lorry driver.
All were evacuated from the vessel and transferred safely to Tinos. Authorities reported that those evacuated were in good health.
The ship was carrying 166 heavy goods vehicles and 29 cars when the incident occurred, according to information released during the initial emergency response.
Fire began in vehicle area
The fire was reported in one of the vessel's garage areas while Blue Carrier 2 was underway north of Mykonos. The precise cause of the fire has not been officially established.
A substantial emergency response was launched after the alarm was raised, involving Hellenic Coast Guard vessels, firefighting craft, tugs, nearby ships and specialist salvage resources.
Earlier firefighting efforts left the vessel with a slight list as water accumulated aboard, making stability an important consideration during the continuing operation.
Ship moved to sheltered waters near Tinos
By the third day of the incident, the salvage company had moved Blue Carrier 2 to a sheltered location on the southwestern side of Tinos.
Although the overall condition of the vessel had improved, the Coast Guard said remaining hotspots meant the firefighting operation was not yet complete.
Authorities and salvage specialists are expected to assess the condition of the vessel and its cargo more fully once it is considered safe to enter affected areas.
Investigation under way
The Tinos Port Authority is conducting a preliminary investigation into the incident.
The Hellenic Coast Guard said further developments would be announced as the operation progressed.