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Cargo Ship in Distress After Fire or Explosion

 Fort-de-France, Martinique [April 15, 2024] - An undetermined distress alert was received on April 15th, 2024, from the Liberian cargo ship GSL Arcadia. The MRCC Fort-de-France, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center responsible for the area, is coordinating the response.


The GSL Arcadia, a 277-meter container ship, issued a distress call indicating a fire or explosion on board. The ship's last reported position was at 08 degrees 30.85 north and 51 degrees 31.24 west, approximately 83 nautical miles northeast of Trinidad and Tobago.

The MRCC Fort-de-France is requesting all vessels in the vicinity of the GSL Arcadia to establish contact with the ship and report any information to them. The MRCC can be contacted by the following methods:

  • Phone: +596 596 70 92 92
  • Telex: (42) 912008
  • Fax: +596 596 63 24 50
  • INM C: 422 799 024
  • Email: ANTILLES@MRCCFR.EU

Current weather conditions in the area:

  • Wind: West northwesterly at 17 knots with gusts up to 22 knots
  • Waves: Up to 2.6 meters (8.5 feet)
  • Sky: Partly cloudy

The GSL Arcadia was reportedly heading for Santos, Brazil, with an estimated arrival time of April 21st, 2024, at 7:30 PM.

The cause of the fire or explosion and the extent of any injuries or damage onboard the GSL Arcadia are currently unknown. This is a developing situation, and further updates will be provided as they become available.





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