A fire broke out on the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Ocean Melody at Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding in eastern China on Thursday morning, killing 25 of the 42 people aboard. The blaze started around 11:15 a.m. while the 20-year-old vessel was undergoing maintenance that had begun on August 31. Twelve people were safely evacuated and five others were hospitalized in stable condition. Firefighters extinguished the open flames by approximately 2:30 p.m.

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered urgent search and rescue efforts, a swift investigation into the cause, and measures to prevent similar accidents. Premier Li Qiang called for thorough efforts to locate any trapped individuals, proper medical care for the injured, and strict precautions against secondary disasters. State media reported that authorities recovered the bodies of all those initially listed as missing, confirming the final death toll at 25.

The Ocean Melody, a dry bulk carrier, was docked at the state-owned shipyard for repairs and inspection work when the fire erupted. Images from the scene showed emergency vehicles surrounding the vessel. Ship-tracking data confirmed the ship’s presence at the Qingdao facility since late August. The exact origin of the fire remains under investigation as teams examine the circumstances of the maintenance operations.

Qingdao is a major shipping hub on China’s eastern coast, and the Beihai yard handles significant repair and construction activity. Industrial accidents at shipyards and ports occasionally draw high-level attention because of the concentration of workers and the potential for rapid spread of fire in confined spaces. In this case, the presence of a relatively large number of people on board during repairs contributed to the high casualty figure.

Survivors who escaped the vessel and those treated for injuries are receiving medical attention. Local authorities and the Ministry of Emergency Management have deployed additional resources to support the response and the subsequent inquiry. Families of the victims are being assisted as identification and notification procedures continue.

The incident has prompted renewed emphasis on workplace safety in China’s shipbuilding and maritime sectors. Officials have stressed the need to draw lessons from the fire and to inspect similar facilities for potential hazards. While the flames have been put out, the investigation into how the fire started and why so many lives were lost will determine any accountability measures and future preventive steps at the Qingdao yard and beyond.