Front-End Loader Catches Fire In Ship's Hold At Docks

A front-end loader has caught fire in the hold of a cargo ship docked in Melbourne. Waterside workers were unloading a load of soda ash from the Pacific Fighter, docked at Victoria Harbour at Docklands when the loader caught fire shortly after 11pm yesterday, Commander Terry Kimpton of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade said.Pacific FighterFire crews from West Melbourne and South Melbourne put on breathing apparatus and entered the hold to check the fire. The loader was hoisted ashore by a crane and the fire extinguished. A dock worker who complained of nausea was treated by paramedics. WorkSafe will investigate the incident.