Logging ship catches fire in Nelson

Fire broke out in the cabin of a logging ship in Nelson this morning.

Port Nelson Harbourmaster David Duncan said the crew had been evacuated and no-one was hurt.

The ship was a large bulk carrier holding logs, he said.

A Fire Service spokesman said emergency services were contacted about the blaze at 6.15am and fire crews arrived a short time later.

Port Nelson chief executive Martin Byrne said the fire was contained to one cabin, thanks to the Fire Service's speedy response.

The Chinese crew were on board at the time and, presumably, some were asleep, he said.

It did not appear the ship was badly damaged.