CARGO SHIP FIRE

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29801, 18 April 1962, Page 15

CARGO SHIP FIRE

Port Protests At Entry

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) FORT LAUDERDALE (Florida), April 17. Firemen poured thousands of gallons of water into a burning Italian cargo-pas-senger ship yesterday, fighting for more than eight hour* before bringing the flames under control. The 6490-ton Andrea Gritti put into nearby Port Everglades over strong protest* from port officials who feared the hold fire might spread to other ship* and dock facilities. The seven passengers and 36 crew members disembarked safely. The cause of the blaze, which broke out among the cargo of cotton, resin and timber, was not known.

Captain Eve Marcello said he told passengers on Sunday that the fire was smoldering but that there was no cause for alarm. But yesterday the Coast Guard ordered the ship into Port Everglades. As firemen poured water into the hold the fire spread from the cargo to the engine room.

Officials ordered parts of the vessel flooded but countermanded the order when it appeared the *h : p would slip over on it* side. The freighter listed 30 degrees on to the wharf a* she filled with water but she did not slip any further.