Engineroom fire kills two, injures one on Singapore-flagged bulker

An engineroom fire has claimed the lives of two seafarers and injured another in an incident on board a bulk carrier sailing off the coast of China. 

Shipmanager Imelda Shipping has confirmed that its managed bulk carrier Mandy suffered an engine room fire while en route to Yantai, China on 17 February 2026. The vessel was approximately 60 nautical miles east of Shidao Bay, China when the incident occurred.

"The master immediately notified local authorities, mustered the crew and commenced firefighting operations. All crew involved worked heroically to contain the fire and the engine room is now secure, with no re-ignition reported. The company regrets to report that two crew members were found deceased during firefighting operations, and an additional crew member has been transported by China MSA for medical treatment. Our entire teams’ deepest sympathies are with the loved ones of the seafarers involved," the Singapore-based shipmanagement company said.

Imelda Shipping said it has convened its emergency response team and remains in close contact with the vessel master and local authorities. The company said it is "currently working to provide towing to a safe harbor destination".

Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority published the first official alert related to the incident. The port state control organisation said that the fire has been extinguished and that the injured crew member has been evacuated to shore to a medical facility for treatment.

"There were 25 Myanmar crew members onboard during the incident. There were no Singaporeans on board. Two crew members have been reported deceased. A third crew member has been evacuated to a shore medical facility for further treatment," the incident report said.

Chinese authorities reportedly mobilised search and rescue efforts for the vessel, a Singapore-flagged bulk carrier, Mandy, and AIS shows the vessel to be headed toward a port in China.

Chinese media have reported that preliminary, unconfirmed information indicated that the chief engineer and an oiler may have been listed as missing.

The 180,000-dwt Capesize bulk carrier is listed in vessel databases as being owned by China’s Everbright Financial Leasing, with a Singapore-based commercial controller, Pacific Rim International Shipping. 

There is no report of pollution, and the shipowner and operator are reportedly arranging or have arranged to tow the vessel to Yantai Port, China.

The MPA said it will investigate the incident, standard practice with a Singapore-flagged vessel, and that the port state controller is in contact with the companies involved and Chinese authorities.