Container ship YANTIAN EXPRESS fire UPDATE Jan 12

According to latest HAPAG-LLOYD statement, 5 crew were transferred back to YANTIAN EXPRESS, presumably on Jan 11. Fire said “to be largely contained and brought under control”.
Most probably, crew were transferred to container ship to facilitate towage and for a general reconnaissance. Maybe they remained on board, maybe they returned back to SMIT NICOBAR. It does seem like towage is ongoing, however slow and difficult. Average convoy speed on Jan 12 is 3 knots, with some 1100 nm distance to Halifax, assumedly port of destination, it’s some 2 weeks sailing, if weather permits.
Full chronology: http://maritimebulletin.net/2019/01/04/container-ship-yantian-express-on-fire-in-north-atlantic/

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My name is Mikhail Voytenko, I’m Russian, professional merchant marine navigator, by education and former experience. I own and run Maritime Bulletin website for more than 10 years. I've been involved in solving a number of piracy hijack cases, including the hijack of ro-ro FAINA, loaded with tanks. It was me who made public, and unravel, freighter ARCTIC SEA mystery. I've been also closely involved in a number of maritime disaster, one of them being MSC FLAMINIA major fire.