Hydrogen fluoride leak on MSC cargo ship at Antwerp's Deurganck Dock hospitalises 28, one in intensive care
A hydrogen fluoride leak from a container aboard the 'Mia Summer II' at the Deurganck Dock in the port of Antwerp prompted a mass evacuation and left 28 people hospitalised, one in intensive care, on Tuesday night.
A leak of corrosive hydrogen fluoride was detected on the evening of Tuesday 14 July aboard the container ship Mia Summer II, docked at the Deurganck Dock in the port of Antwerp's Waesland extension. The incident prompted a large-scale emergency response, the evacuation of crew and dock workers, and the establishment of a security perimeter. By Wednesday afternoon, firefighters had begun sealing the leaking container inside a lime-filled recovery tank, and partial shipping traffic had resumed, though the largest terminal remained closed.
The incident on board the Mia Summer II
The leak was first detected around 21:30 on Tuesday evening, according to Belgian public broadcaster VRT. The substance involved was initially suspected to be sulphuric acid, but multiple sources subsequently identified it as hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid), a highly corrosive and toxic chemical widely used in industry. Its fumes can cause skin and eye irritation as well as respiratory distress.
The cargo vessel, flagged in Liberia and operated by MSC, had arrived at the MPET terminal on Monday evening, sailing from Felixstowe in the United Kingdom, according to vessel tracking data. The leak originated from a container on board.
Casualties and medical response
An emergency medical plan was activated immediately after the leak was discovered. Mayor Marc Van de Vijver of the municipality of Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht confirmed that several workers showed signs of illness during the incident and received medical attention. Initial reports suggested 155 people were examined, while later tallies put the number transported to hospitals at 186.
Several workers showed signs of illness during the incident. They received the required medical assistance and were evacuated.
Most of those affected are port workers and crew members, primarily from the Philippines, who inhaled the corrosive vapours. While many were discharged quickly, 28 people with more serious symptoms were kept under observation in hospital on Wednesday, and one person remained in intensive care.
Leak containment and firefighting operation
Firefighters began sealing the leak on Wednesday afternoon. A floating recovery tank filled with lime was positioned beside the vessel. The leaking container was placed inside this tank, a procedure designed to prevent unwanted chemical reactions and further evaporation, although the operation itself risked producing additional vapour emissions.
The operation is being directed by the fire service in collaboration with civil protection units, the police, the maritime police, and the port authority. Earlier on Wednesday, sample analyses taken in and around the Waesland port had returned negative for airborne contamination, according to the Belga news agency.
- Leak of hydrogen fluoride detected on board the MSC-chartered Mia Summer II at Deurganck Dock, Waesland port extension.
- Emergency medical plan activated; all personnel on board and on the quay evacuated. Workers begin reporting symptoms of illness.
- A floating recovery tank filled with lime is positioned alongside the vessel to receive the leaking container. Bridges over the Kieldrecht lock are closed.
- DP World's Antwerp Gateway terminal reopens and inland navigation resumes. The MPET terminal remains shut.
- Firefighters begin placing the leaking container into the lime-filled recovery tank. The security perimeter remains in force.
Shipping disruption at Europe's second-largest port
A security perimeter around the Deurganck Dock remained in place throughout Wednesday. Maritime traffic at the dock was suspended and bridges over the Kieldrecht lock were closed as a precaution. By early afternoon on Wednesday, the Antwerp-Bruges port authority had authorised the reopening of one of the two main terminals at the dock.
DP World's Antwerp Gateway terminal resumed normal operations shortly after 14:00, and inland navigation was permitted to use its facilities. The MPET terminal, a joint venture between MSC and PSA, remained closed. The port authority stated that specialist teams were ready to remove the container, after which it would be sealed and evacuated safely.
