Acid Leak on MSC Container Ship Disrupts Antwerp Port, 28 People Hospitalised
A chemical incident on board the container ship MSC Mia Summer II disrupted operations at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and sent 28 people to hospital, The Maritime Telegraph reports.
The emergency began on July 14 when a container loaded with hydrofluoric acid started leaking during cargo operations at Deurganck Dock. The release of toxic fumes forced authorities to evacuate nearby port areas, stop vessel movements, and launch a large-scale response.
More than 150 people underwent medical examinations after the incident. Twenty-eight port workers and crew members required hospital treatment, and one person was placed in intensive care. Officials said air monitoring showed no threat to nearby residential communities.
By July 16, the Antwerp Gateway terminal had returned to service and some ship traffic resumed. However, the MPET terminal remained closed while safety teams continued inspections. Belgian authorities have also opened an investigation into the cause of the leak.
Hydrofluoric acid is considered one of the most dangerous chemicals carried by sea because its fumes can cause severe health problems and exposure symptoms may appear hours later.
