GDAŃSK, Poland — A large-scale emergency operation is underway at the Port of Gdańsk after a cargo ship erupted in flames late Thursday evening, July 2, 2026. Seventeen fire crews have been deployed to the scene, battling a complex blaze deep inside the vessel's hold.

Thick plumes of black smoke were seen rising over the port area as emergency teams rushed to contain the situation.

The fire broke out in a cargo hold heavily packed with metal scrap. Because the fire is believed to be spreading through the lower, tightly packed layers of the metal waste, accessing the heart of the blaze has proven exceptionally difficult for the arriving units.

First responders from the Port Fire Department "Florian" and the State Fire Service have set up a multi-pronged containment strategy. Senior Captain Radosław Gburzyński of the State Fire Service confirmed that emergency teams are actively applying water and foam jets from the harbor canal, the vessel's deck, and directly onto scrap metal that has been extracted from the hold using a mechanical gripper.

The ship's crew initially attempted to fight the flames themselves using onboard safety systems before external emergency services took over. Fortunately, authorities have confirmed that all 25 crew members are accounted for and no injuries have been reported.

The exact cause of the ignition remains unknown. "The source of the fire is unknown at this time – it may be oily scrap metal or other flammable materials found inside," Gburzyński stated.

The incident took place during unloading operations at the wharf, keeping the most severe immediate risks contained to the dockside area. Port fires in enclosed cargo bays present unique structural and toxic hazards, making rapid isolation essential to protect broader harbor logistics.

The Port of Gdańsk's recently modernized 24/7 Operations Centre is actively helping coordinate the ongoing emergency efforts between the State Fire Service, municipal handlers, and terminal operators. Once the cargo hold is completely cooled and declared safe, a full forensic investigation into the ignition source will begin.