GROUNDED HUAL SHIP ON FIRE

GROUNDED HUAL SHIP ON FIRE    The “HUAL Europe,” a roll-on/roll-off vessel grounded on the Japanese island of Oshimain since Oct. 1, has caught fire and been declared “a total loss.”
   Norwegian shipping operator Leif H'egh & Co. said it has not been possible to salvage the vessel and its cargo.
   The shipowner’s Protection and Indemnity club has entered into negotiations for a contract to remove the wreck.
   Leif H'egh said the vessel rolled over, split into two parts and at the same time caught fire. It said that the cause of the fire is unknown.
   “The Marine Disaster Prevention Center is attending to extinguish the fire and limit the environmental consequences,” the shipping group said.