Video: Cargo dhow gutted in fire off Sharjah port

Sharjah - DHOW ON FIRE IN SHARJAH: A fire broke out at around 6.30pm on Saturday at a dhow off Khalid Port in Sharjah.

UPDATE: Civil Defence officials have confirmed to Khaleej Times at 7.38pm that a fire that erupted in a cargo dhow off Khalid Port in Sharjah at 6.29pm has been contained even as no casualties have been reported.

Earlier story

A fire has erupted in a Sharjah port. The fire broke out at 6.29pm on Saturday on a dhow off Khalid Port in Sharjah.

According to several eyewitnesses, ambulances are on location to give first aid. Firefighters from the Sharjah Civil Defence arrived on the scene and combated the blaze.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sami Al Naqbi, Director of Sharjah Civil Defence, said that there have been no casualties. However, Al Naqbi added that the ship's cargo of goods has been lost.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, a KT reader said that he heard three explosions when he was at the corniche.

Billowing dark smoke could be seen from a distance.

As it happened:

7:38pm: Speaking to Khaleej Times, Lieutenant-Colonel Sami Al Naqbi, Director of Sharjah Civil Defence, confirmed that the fire has been contained.

7:16pm: Firefighters battle the blaze on a cargo-laden dhow off Sharjah port.