Cruise ship leaves Belfast berth early amid scrapyard fire
The vessel departed ahead of schedule as smoke spread across the harbour area, according to the report.
A cruise ship left Belfast Harbour ahead of schedule as a precaution while smoke from a fire at Clearway Disposals spread across the area, the report said. The plume remained visible across Belfast for hours during a busy period for the harbour.
More than 50 firefighters responded after the fire was reported shortly after midday. Belfast Harbour put the number involved at about 60. Crews faced approximately 4,500 tonnes of loose metal and end-of-life vehicles stacked at the dockside scrapyard.
Authorities advised nearby residents and businesses to keep windows and doors closed. Motorists travelling past the docks were also told to switch off their vehicles’ air conditioning.
The report described the incident as the second major fire at the East Twin Road facility during the year. No additional details about the cruise ship or its revised departure time were provided in the verified information.