Incident Overview
A fire occurred aboard the cargo ship FEDERAL WELLAND at Queen Alexandra Docks, Cardiff on August 25, 2026 while the vessel was carrying approximately 20,000 tonnes of scrap metal. All crew members were accounted for and safe. Specialist firefighting resources were deployed, and authorities warned that response tactics could produce intermittent smoke across nearby districts.
Incident Timeline
August 25: A fire was reported aboard FEDERAL WELLAND while the vessel was moored at Queen Alexandra Docks. Specialist resources were engaged, including rescue tenders, an aerial hydraulic platform, a boat, a firefighting tug and a drone. All crew members had been accounted for and were safe.
Public-safety measures: People were advised to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed because firefighting activity could release intermittent smoke affecting Cardiff Bay, the city centre and Penarth. The public was also asked not to fly drones over the response area.
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