- Published:
- Thursday, 22 July 2021 at 8:03 am
FRV firefighters remain on scene in West Melbourne, following a hazardous materials incident on a cargo ship.
Crews were called to the Phillipps Street location at 3.30pm yesterday after receiving a call that an incoming cargo ship had a leaking container on board.
Specialist FRV crews, including an FRV Scientific Officer, were despatched to identify the source of the leak and conduct testing on the liquid.
FRV worked with the Victorian Ports Corporation, Environmental Protection Authority, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria to safely manage the incident.
The container was safely removed from the vessel and isolated on the docks concourse.
Atmospheric monitoring is also occurring, with results showing no risk to the community.
Today there were more than 40 firefighters on scene, including specialist Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) firefighters as well as the Hazmat Unit, Marine Unit and Aviation Unit.
Crews used Remote Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS, or ‘drones’) technology to safely monitor the isolated container’s heat signature and its surroundings.
The incident was deemed under control at 2.37pm this afternoon.
It’s expected that crews will remain on scene for some time.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is inspecting the cargo ship and will coordinate cleaning of the vessel prior to it being released.
A community advice message has been issued, with no risk to the community.
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Update: 27/07/2021 5.30pm
FRV firefighters remain on scene at an incident on Phillipps Road in West Melbourne, following a hazardous materials incident on a cargo ship last week.
Specialist crews and an FRV Scientific Officer were called to the incident at 3.52pm this afternoon to safely relocate hazardous material items.
The incident was deemed under control at 5.18pm.
FRV worked in coordination with the Victorian Ports Corporation, Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police and the EPA.
Updated