ISA is an international marine & cargo survey company incorporating risk management services and salvage broker sales
Casualty Details
| Publish Date | 15 Oct 2026 |
| Casualty Type | Fire |
| Vessel Type | Container Carrier (VT-UCC) |
| IMO | 9793923 |
| GRT | 113,828 |
| Year of Build | 2018 |
| Location | South Atlantic Ocean, approximately 975 nautical miles northwest of Tristan da Cunha. |
| Cargo Details | Up to 11,923 TEUs of containerised and temperature sensitive cargo |
Report
* We have received reports that containership ESPIRITO SANTO EXPRESS (IMO: 9793923) experienced an explosion whilst navigating the South Atlantic Ocean in a position approximately 975 nautical miles northwest of Tristan da Cunha on 15 October 2026.
* It is reported that the vessel experienced a fire as a consequence of the explosion and currently remains adrift.
* We understand that vessels in the vicinity were requested to attend the scene to provide assistance and all crew members have safely abandoned the vessel.
* Reportedly, Shipowners have entered into a Salvage Agreement with professional salvors under LOF terms to provide salvage assistance to the vessel.
* Consequently, Salvage Security will be required to be provided by a party acceptable to the Salvors or the Council of Lloyd's on behalf of cargo interests and W K Webster will be able to assist. Security provided by WKW is acceptable to the Council of Lloyd's and widely preferred by professional Salvors.
* If General Average is declared, General Average security may also be required from all cargo interests prior to the delivery of their cargo, and we will be able to assist in that regard also.
* It is also possible that cargo stowed in the vicinity of the fire may have sustained fire, heat, smoke and/or water damage as a result of the firefighting efforts. We therefore have cargo surveyors on hand to assist with any necessary cargo surveys and we have also retained a fire expert to investigate the cause of the fire.
* Claims for loss and damage to cargo on board are expected to have occurred as result of this incident although the extent of damage is not yet confirmed. WK Webster will be able to assist with any recovery action also.
* We therefore recommend that you contact us urgently if you are concerned with any cargo on board this vessel so that we may immediately start taking steps to protect your interests.
