Maersk Containership's Crew Hospitalized

Thirteen people aboard the Maersk Buffalo at the Port of Oakland were hospitalised yesterday after falling ill, possibly as a result of bunker fuel fumes.

Local newspapers reported that another 25 crewmembers of the 4,150-teu containership (built 2007) and members of a longshoremen union local were treated on the pier at an APM containership terminal at the port.

The affected workers experienced stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea.

The Oakland Fire Department was investigating the incident but told local reporters that bunker fuel fumes were the apparent cause. The injuries were minor.