At least 25 people were killed Thursday after a cargo ship undergoing repairs caught fire at a port in Qingdao, a major shipping hub on China’s northeastern coast, according to Chinese state media.
The vessel was docked at Beihai Shipbuilding Co. when the fire broke out at about 11:15 a.m. local time, Xinhua News Agency reported.
There were 42 people aboard when the blaze began. Twelve were rescued safely, while five others were injured and hospitalized in stable condition, according to Xinhua.
In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, a cargo ship is seen after it caught fire at a port in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province, on Sept. 10, 2026. (Li Aoqiu/Xinhua via AP)
Images published by Xinhua identified the vessel as the Ocean Melody. VesselFinder, a ship-tracking website, lists the cargo ship as operating under the Liberian flag.
The Associated Press said the fire was brought under control at about 2:30 p.m., more than three hours after it erupted. Footage shared online showed thick white smoke pouring from the vessel.
Officials have not determined what caused the fire. Chinese authorities are investigating how the blaze started as the ship was being repaired.
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In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, firefighters and crews gather near the cargo ship on fire on Sept. 10, 2026. (Li Aoqiu/Xinhua via AP)
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “intensified efforts” to assist those affected by the disaster, Xinhua reported. Premier Li Qiang said rescuers needed to reach people trapped aboard the ship.
Xi also urged officials to ensure that preventive measures are fully enforced and to “resolutely prevent major and catastrophic accidents.”
Aerial view of the illuminated Qingdao Qianwan Container Terminal at night on Sept. 6, 2026, in Qingdao, Shandong Province of China. (VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
Beihai Shipbuilding is a subsidiary of the state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the world’s largest shipbuilder. According to the company’s website, its primary businesses are shipbuilding and ship repair.
Qingdao, in China’s Shandong province, is one of the country’s busiest ports and a major center for shipbuilding, shipping and international trade. The port handles millions of containers each year and is home to several large shipyards.