An engine room fire on the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier Mandy has claimed two lives, with a third crewman airlifted to a hospital.

The 2010-built bulker, en route from Singapore since February 8, was hit by the blaze at 7:35 pm Singapore time on February 17, just shy of its scheduled Yantai arrival.

The vessel crew consisted of 25 Myanmar nationals. The crew extinguished the fire, but the flames claimed the lives of two compatriots. Chinese authorities scrambled rescue vessels, a helicopter, and merchant ships to assist following the fire alert.

According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), a third crew member has been evacuated to a shore medical facility for further treatment. The incident did not result in any pollution.

The 180,371 dwt vessel is managed by Pacific Rim Shipmanagement. It is currently arranging a tow for the bulker to Yantai Port.

MPA is coordinating efforts with Chinese officials and launching a probe into the fatal incident. It also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged full assistance.