A general cargo ship was in port loading timber packs, machinery and containers. Once the holds were loaded with the timber pack cargo, the stevedores loaded machinery on the main deck. Finally, dangerous goods containers were loaded on top of number four hatch cover. The deck cargo was then lashed securely for the sea.
About 90 minutes later the number four cargo hold smoke detection alarm sounded throughout the crew accommodation. When the access hatch to number four cargo hold was lifted a...