Glasgow And Ships Of The Clyde

Fire in the cargo of Anchor Line's cargo ship TAHSINIA berthed at Avonmouth Docks, Bristol

   Just after 8am, when discharging her cargo had recommenced

for the day, fire broke out in number 2 hold, just forward of the

superstructure, on the Anchor cargo ship TAHSINIA at

Avonmouth Docks, Bristol.   The fire had started among 500 tons

of cotton oil seed and 200 tons of wool and large clouds of

thick black choking smoke covered the port.

   At first the intense smoke made in impossible for firemen to

enter the hold, even using breathing apparatus, and they had

to work from the deck.   Heavy duty pumps and the port fire

float were used to spray water to cool the ship’s hull plating.

   Later the Fire Brigade reported that the fire was under control.

   TAHSINIA had arrived at Avonmouth from Bombay (India)

on Thursday 1st. and had been scheduled to leave for Liverpool

that evening.

   The ship, built on Clydeside in 1946, is owned by Anchor Line

of Glasgow and was a regular visitor to Avonmouth.