20 Killed, 5 Missing After Cargo Ship Fire in Qingdao Port, State Media Reports

At least 20 people dead and five missing after fire on cargo ship in Qingdao port. Chinese authorities launch rescue efforts.

Editorial Desk

September 10, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Qingdao, China — A fire on a cargo ship docked in a Chinese port has left at least 20 people dead and five missing, according to state media reports.

The incident occurred at the Beihai Shipbuilding Co. in Qingdao, a key maritime center on China’s northeastern coast. The vessel, identified as the Ocean Melody, is registered under the Liberian flag and was undergoing repairs when the blaze broke out.

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Forty-two individuals were aboard the ship, with 12 successfully evacuated. Five others sustained injuries and are currently in stable condition. The fire, which began around 11 a.m. local time on Thursday, was fully extinguished by 2:30 p.m., according to Xinhua News Agency. President Xi Jinping directed urgent rescue operations for those still unaccounted for, while Premier Li Qiang called for the immediate rescue of trapped crew members.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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