BERLIN, May 24 (Xinhua) -- A fire broke out on a cargo ship at the port of Hamburg in Germany on Sunday, leaving eight people seriously injured, including a firefighter, German authorities said.

The Hamburg fire brigade said the blaze erupted in the afternoon. Seven of the injured were taken to hospital for treatment, while another person was treated at the scene by emergency responders.

About 80 personnel from the professional fire brigade, volunteer fire brigade and emergency rescue services were deployed to battle the fire, which was brought under control after around three hours.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. ■