Overnight at Barcelona’s port, a carbon monoxide leak inside the hold of the Ocean Euphrosine left ten workers injured. One is in critical condition, and another was seriously affected. The incident happened at the Muelle de la Energía, an area of the port that handles hazardous cargo. Crews working in these spaces face ongoing risks from toxic gases and confined conditions.
Emergency teams arrived quickly. Nine units from Bombers de Barcelona responded just after midnight. Guardia Civil and Policía Portuaria also attended, as did the Sistema d’Emergències Mèdiques (SEM). SEM reported that 19 people needed assessment or treatment. The most serious cases were taken to Hospital Clínic and Moisès Broggi for urgent care. La Vanguardia reported that 12 ambulances and 9 fire crews were mobilized to the scene.
The Ocean Euphrosine had just finished unloading vegetable oils when the leak happened. The Port de Barcelona classified the event as a workplace accident. The ship was docked at the muelle de inflamables, an area set up for high-risk materials. Despite these precautions, the leak occurred, raising questions about safety procedures during cargo operations in hazardous environments.
Most of those affected had mild symptoms, but the critical case shows how dangerous carbon monoxide can be in enclosed spaces. The gas is colorless and odorless, and can cause harm within minutes if ventilation is poor. The fast response from emergency teams likely prevented more serious injuries, while the incident points to gaps in current safety oversight.
This is not the first time Spanish infrastructure has faced scrutiny over hazardous incidents. As previous investigations into industrial accidents have shown, lapses in safety measures can have severe consequences, especially when hazardous materials or confined spaces are involved.
Betevé reported that the Guardia Civil and Capitanía Marítima had launched investigations into the causes. The Port de Barcelona classified the event as a workplace accident. As of the latest reports, no definitive explanation for the accumulation of carbon monoxide had been released, and inquiries were ongoing.
The leak on a ship in a regulated port zone raises concerns for port authorities and shipping operators. With port activity basic to Spain’s economy, safety failures carry serious risks. Authorities now have to care for the injured and review safety measures, with the aim of preventing similar incidents.
