Amidst the bustling activity of Osaka harbor, a somber stone monument stands. This is the プリアムールリエ号火災事故犠牲者追悼の碑, a memorial to a tragic fire that engulfed the cruise ship, プリアムールリエ号. This monument serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the bravery of those who fought the flames.
The プリアムールリエ号, originally named ウラジオストック, was a Soviet passenger ship built in 1935. It later sailed under the FESCO flag for Far Eastern Shipping Company. In 1962, the ship was renamed プリアムールリエ号. On May 17, 1988, the ship docked at Osaka harbor, carrying 295 members of a Soviet youth travel group and 129 crew members.
In the late hours of May 18, a fire ignited in cabin 346, located on the port side of the Second Deck. Two occupants attempted to extinguish the flames but were unsuccessful. The fire quickly spread, engulfing the entire ship in smoke and flames. The fire department battled the blaze for 17 grueling hours before finally extinguishing it.
Tragically, 11 lives were lost in the fire (seven men and four women). Additionally, 23 people sustained minor injuries, eight suffered moderate injuries, and four were critically injured. The prompt response of rescue workers and the effective fire suppression systems present on the ship limited the number of casualties. Despite automatic fire doors activating and fire extinguishers being utilized, the intensity and rapid spread of the fire overwhelmed the initial efforts. The complexity of the ship’s interior made it difficult for firefighters to navigate and assess the extent of the fire.
The monument at Osaka harbor, built near the site of the tragedy, is a place for reflection and remembrance. The original memorial was erected at the nearby Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park. Later, a new stone monument was crafted and relocated to its current location on May 18, 2013, closer to the scene of the disaster. The inscription on the monument tells the story of the fire. It also lists the names of those who perished and is a reminder of the importance of safety and the value of human life. This memorial stands as a symbol of remembrance and a message of resilience, amid the industrial landscape of Osaka’s harbor.