Fatal fire on cargo ship at Qingdao shipyard in China

A catastrophic fire erupted on a foreign-flagged cargo ship, the Ocean Melody, at the state-owned Qingdao Beihai shipyard in China on the morning of September 10, 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 11:15 local time while the vessel was undergoing repair and maintenance works. Out of 42 individuals reported to be onboard, at least 20 people have died, while reports on missing persons vary; some sources state five are missing, while other reports suggest a higher death toll of 25. Twelve people were safely evacuated, and five remain hospitalized in stable condition.

The vessel, a 20-year-old Liberia-flagged dry bulk carrier managed by Yuyangkunpeng Shanghai Ship Management and owned by Huili Shipping Co Ltd, had been at the shipyard since August 31. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang have issued directives to prioritize search and rescue efforts and to prevent further disasters. The fire was brought under control and extinguished within three hours. Authorities, including the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and are working to ensure maritime safety compliance at the facility.