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Port Kaituma explosion…Minister Benn to tackle marine safety, fuel smuggling in area

Apr 06, 2014 News

Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn is pursuing measures to deal with maritime safety at Port Kaituma and the issue of handling illegally imported fuel in the area, following Friday’s massive fire in the mining community.
A release from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) also stated that Minister Benn has reiterated the need for persons to clear the waterfront area, where five fuel-laden vessels and nearby buildings were destroyed.
According to the release, Benn also stated that the congestion is hampering much needed road works in the area.
In the first official statement on the cause of the fire, the release stated that a team from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) travelled to Port Kaituma, North-West District, Region One on April 4, 2014 to investigate a fire which originated from the vessel ELLIANA B and destroyed several vessels and buildings ashore.
“At approximately 07:30 hrs on April 4, the vessel which was discharging diesel fuel into drums ashore caught afire as the pump malfunctioned and jets of diesel sprayed on the hot surface of the pump. A fire consequently ignited and engulfed the vessel.
“The lone crew member who was on board attempted to fight the fire by himself, but the heat intensified causing him to jump overboard. He swam ashore and raced to the hospital for medical treatment,” MARAD said
“Simultaneously, the fire spread to other boats and buildings nearby, destroying four buildings used as dwelling houses, shops and storages. Also five boats are believed to have been destroyed.”
The blaze extended on top of the river as well, as the diesel leaked overboard onto some combustible garbage in the water.
Residents from the community formed themselves in bucket brigades and were successful in stopping the fire from spreading to other buildings ashore.
“There were no fatalities and the only reported casualty was the crew member who sustained first degree burns to his back and feet. He is currently being treated at Port Kaituma Hospital.”
Kaieteur News was told that up to late Friday night, the ELLIANA B was still on fire, and another massive explosion occurred on the damaged vessel.
Chief Fire officer Marlon Gentle, who visited the scene with a team or fire service and army personnel, blamed the smuggling of fuel for the destruction.
He told Kaieteur News that all four vessels were laden with gasoline and diesel fuel suspected to have been smuggled from Venezuela.

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