Fire on ship in Gisborne

File Photo / Bay of Plenty

A fire broke out on the bridge of the cargo ship Lake Arafura at Gisborne's Eastland Port last night.

The fire started at 7pm and was quickly brought under control by the crew with help from the Fire Service, Eastland Group general manager logistics Andrew Gaddum said.

A Fire Service spokesman said the crew used breathing apparatus and the ship's in-built fire fighting system to extinguish the blaze.

Initial indications were that the fire was started by an electrical fault, he said.

Fire safety officer Derek Goodwin visited the scene this morning and was conducting a full investigation.

The damage would be assessed to see whether the ship could sail from the port for repairs.

- NZPA