Ship carrying hundreds of Porsches and Bentleys adrift after catching fire

US-primarily based auto reviewer Matt Farah mentioned on Twitter that a Porsche he experienced purchased was on the ship.

“I just received the call from my vendor,” he tweeted. “My motor vehicle is now adrift, probably on fireplace, in the center of the ocean.”

The hearth was however reportedly lively as of Thursday evening and the result in is not but recognized. The ships are generally divided into sections, which could restrict the destruction to the cargo.

The ship is operated by Mitsui OSK Lines, which explained it “regrets the inconvenience and concern caused”.

It included: “MOL will make every effort to incorporate the hurt and resolve the condition as the principal priorities.”

The crew are safe in a hotel on the Azores and are in very good well being, it reported, including that it experienced appointed a salvage workforce which is owing to arrive at the vessel on Friday.

Amongst the 3,965 automobiles influenced were being Volkswagen and Lamborghinis, in accordance to the German newspaper Handelsblatt.

Container ship fires are unusual, but can be catastrophic. In 2018, a fireplace on the Maersk Honam claimed the life of five of its 27 crew following chemical compounds it was carrying caught hearth and the ship’s carbon dioxide hearth suppression system was not able to convey the blaze under handle. It was salvaged and renamed the Maersk Halifax.

Container ship dimensions have elevated by 1,500laptop because 1968, in accordance to insurer Allianz, which has warned that at any time-more sophisticated hearth-fighting units will be wanted to preserve up.

Volkswagen did not immediately respond to a ask for for comment.