Dhow catches fire in Dubai Creek

Plumes of thick black smoke covered Dubai as a cargo dhow caught fire on Deira creek earlier today. The cause of the fire which started at around 3:30pm is not yet known.

According to Afnan Aqeel, an eyewitness, ‘The fire spread rapidly because of the windy weather making it difficult to bring the fire under control quickly.’

Fire-fighting teams contained the fire in two hours as civil defence teams deployed fire-fighting boats to help in the operation. Several cars parked near the port were damaged because of the fire.

Hundreds of onlookers gathered on both sides of the creek as traffic and parking areas were cordoned off. Eyewitness reports suggested the wooden vessel carried tyre rims.

Traffic snarls were reported in surrounding areas as traffic was being re-routed in a few areas. The smoke could be seen from as far as Shaikh Zayed Road and Dubai Festival City.

The Dhow Wharfage is an important holding point for vessels who use the port facilities to load and off load sea cargo.
–muaz@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE