A container ship the APL Austria is on fire in deep water east of the Port of Ngqura off Algoa Bay.
Four non essential crew were removed from the vessel by the Port Elizabeth NSRI in the early hours of this morning while fire fighting crews continue to battle the fire in one of the ship's forward holds.
The NSRI's Craig Lambinon said one of the four non essential crewman the NSRI assisted in removing from the vessel had suffered a leg injury and was treated on shore at the Port of Ngqura by EMS Paramedics.
Lambinon said 17 crewmen remained on the vessel along with Transnet National Ports Authority officials and firefighting members and SA Maritime Safety Authority officials. They are accompanied by two tug boats which are assisting to douse the flames in one of the forward holds of the vessel.
Lambinon said the NSRI had stood down from the operation as its services were no-longer required as the APL Austria steams further out to sea and while firefighting continues on board the vessel.
