Netherlands - A cargo ship carrying nearly 3,000 vehicles encountered a devastating fire off the Dutch coast, resulting in the tragic death of one person and causing injuries to several others. The incident occurred on the 199-meter Panama-registered vessel, Fremantle Highway, which was en route from Germany to Egypt. As the fire broke out on Tuesday night, some crew members were compelled to jump overboard for their safety.

The ship's owner, Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd, indicated that an electric car among the cargo might have been the possible cause of the blaze. However, the exact reason is yet to be confirmed pending an investigation. The company is actively cooperating with local authorities, salvors, and the ship management firm to control the fire.

Rescue ships are currently spraying water on the burning ship to cool it down, but there is a concern that excessive water usage could lead to the ship sinking. To prevent drifting, a salvage vessel has been attached to the Fremantle Highway.

Authorities have cautioned that the fire may persist for several days, posing significant environmental risks as the ship is now close to the ecologically sensitive Frisian island region. The area, a UNESCO world heritage site, is home to a diverse range of aquatic and terrestrial species.

The Royal Dutch Rescue Company (KNRM) and other responders arrived at the scene promptly, but the fire's rapid spread forced some crew members to jump into the water. One crew member lost their life in the flames, and the others were airlifted to safety by a helicopter.

Given the severity of the situation, experts are working diligently to plan the next steps for the burning vessel. This incident adds to a series of recent fires on car carriers, highlighting the potential risks and challenges involved in transporting vehicles at sea.