On October 16th, the Baoshan Branch of the Shanghai Maritime Search and Rescue Center hosted a comprehensive emergency drill themed “Welcoming the Import Expo, Safeguarding Livelihoods, and Ensuring Safety.”

The exercise simulated a scenario where a vessel collided with a water intake pile at the Chenxing Reservoir, resulting in a fire on the ship, damage to the cargo hold, and an oil leak that threatened to pollute the surrounding waters. This incident posed a risk to the drinking water supply for both the northern areas of Shanghai’s city center and Baoshan District. The drill was organized by the Baoshan Branch of the Shanghai Maritime Search and Rescue Center, with support from the Baoshan Maritime Bureau, the Baoshan Ecological Environment Bureau, and the Baoshan Fire Rescue Team, along with the Baoshan Meteorological Bureau and other agencies.

The exercise included six key components: maritime search and rescue emergency response, handling of hazardous material fires on vessels, controlling the position of distressed ships, leak sealing in the cargo holds, and addressing water pollution issues. The Baoshan Branch effectively implemented its emergency response plan, coordinating maritime patrol boats for water traffic management and on-site command, deploying professional firefighting units to tackle the vessel blaze, and assigning specialized rescue boats for pollution control and salvage operations. All participating units exhibited close cooperation and coordination, demonstrating a strong team spirit throughout the drill.

In total, nine organizations participated with over 80 personnel involved, coordinating nine vessels, two drones, and three vehicles. This exercise further enhanced the emergency response capabilities for water search and rescue operations, vessel pollution prevention, and drinking water source protection in the Baoshan waters. It also improved the organizational coordination, decision-making, and practical operational skills of the Shanghai Maritime Search and Rescue Center’s Baoshan Branch, creating a safe maritime environment in preparation for the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo, ensuring the smooth operation of the city.