Locals told to stay inside as 54 years old Russian crab vessel blazes in Norwegian port

The local population was told to close all windows as fire fighters late Sunday lost control over the fire on board the 49 meter long fishing vessel. The ship was ultimately towed out at sea and into a shallow bay where it continued to burn through the whole night.

Gusting black smoke rose to the sky as the blazing ship was brought across the waters of the Bøkfjorden.

The Tamango is owned by the Vladivostok-based Antey Group. The vessel had engaged in crab fishing in the Barents Sea, and made port call in Kirkenes in late June.

None of the crew members are reported to have been injured in the fire.

According to Sør-Varanger Avis, there is 47 tons of fuel on board. Fire fighters do not exclude that the ship could ultimately sink.

A major explosion early Monday morning rocked the burning vessel and forced emergency personnel to retreat from the site.

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According to Interfax, the Tamango was hired by subsidiary company Antey-Sever on a so-called bareboat charter, which means that crew and provisions are all provided by the chartering organisation.

The Antey Group is one of the biggest producers of crab and seafood in Russia. It is based in the far east, while its subsidiary Antey-Sever is located in Murmansk.