THE Sydney Marie, a vessel belonging to Vincentian company, Odin’s Trading, caught afire while it was docked at the Gafoors Complex, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, on Tuesday morning.

The cause of the fire was later determined to be an overheating generator in the fore peak of the ship, which had resulted in arcing and sparking, a statement from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) said.

According to the statement, the Fire Service was alerted to the fire at 03:31hrs, and Water Tenders 95 from the Diamond Fire Station and 109 from the Timehri Fire Station responded to the scene.

“The generator was severely damaged, and a quantity of rope was completely destroyed as a result of the fire. No person was injured, and firefighters were able to contain the fire to the Generator Room, thereby averting the loss of the vessel,” the statement said.

The vessel involved was a red-and-green ship bearing IMO number 7432317, and official number 400913, and was captained by 56-year-old Richard Bynoe, who is also from St. Vincent.

The vessel is used for aggregate transport by Odin’s Trading, which is located at Main Street, Charlestown, St. Vincent.

The GFS also noted a number of measures that sea farers could implement to avoid fires on their vessels, including ensuring that all open flames are lit in the presence of people, and extinguished before everyone leaves a room; ensuring that circuit overloading is avoided at all costs; refraining from carrying oil rags into cabins or accommodation areas; not leaving oil pans unattended in the open; adhering to all safety procedures while performing maintenance operations; and ensuring persons on board have an understanding of fire-fighting equipment, and basic training in its operation.