Disasters at Sea Season 3 Episode 3
Disasters at Sea
Season 3

Ep 3. Fire in the Hold

  • TV-14
  • January 17, 2021
  • 44 min
  •   (17)

In Disasters at Sea season 3 episode 3, "Fire in the Hold," viewers are taken on an intense journey through one of the most dangerous situations a ship can face - a fire in the cargo hold. The episode follows the crew of the MV Maersk Honam, a massive container vessel carrying over 7,000 shipping containers, as they navigate through a catastrophic fire that breaks out in one of their holds.

The episode begins by giving viewers a glimpse into the life of a mariner - the long days spent out at sea, the camaraderie among the crew, and the constant dangers they face while transporting goods across oceans. We meet the crew of the MV Maersk Honam, a mix of nationalities working together to ensure the safe delivery of their cargo. As they sail through the Arabian Sea, everything seems to be going according to plan. However, disaster strikes when a fire breaks out in one of the ship's holds.

The crew is quick to respond, activating their fire suppression system and attempting to contain the blaze. However, despite their efforts, the fire continues to rage out of control, fueled by the shipping containers packed with goods ranging from chemicals to clothes. The crew is faced with a daunting task - if they cannot put out the fire, the ship could sink, taking their lives and the cargo with it.

As the situation intensifies, the episode delves into the science behind a cargo fire on a ship. One expert explains that cargo fires can reach temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, making them incredibly difficult to extinguish. The crew's fire suppression system, which normally uses a combination of water and foam, is not enough to stop the inferno. The ship's captain makes the difficult decision to instruct the crew to abandon ship, knowing that their lives are in danger.

However, not all crew members are able to make it to safety. Several remain on board to continue fighting the fire, spending nearly a week battling the blaze while stranded at sea. The episode highlights the incredible bravery and determination of these crew members, who risked their lives to save their ship and the cargo it carried.

As the episode comes to a close, viewers are left with a sense of awe at the sheer power of a cargo fire on a ship. The effects can be catastrophic, with the potential to destroy lives and economies. However, the episode also highlights the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Despite the danger, the crew of the MV Maersk Honam refused to give up - and their heroic efforts saved both their ship and their cargo.

Overall, "Fire in the Hold" is a gripping and emotional episode of Disasters at Sea that highlights the dangers faced by mariners every day. From the science behind cargo fires to the bravery of those who risk their lives to save their ships, the episode offers a fascinating look into the world of shipping. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in maritime history, engineering, or simply the power of the human spirit.

Description
Watch Disasters at Sea - Fire in the Hold (s3 e3) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Disasters at Sea, Season 3 Episode 3, is available to watch and stream on Smithsonian Channel. You can also buy, rent Disasters at Sea on demand at Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    January 17, 2021
  • Content Rating
    TV-14
  • Runtime
    44 min
  • Language
    English