Explosion - Shipwreck Log

The 101 meter long, 6275 dwt chemical tanker Tibil suffered an explosion while in the Marmara Sea off Tuzia, Turkey. The vessel was travelling to Tuzia in ballast when there was an explosion in one of the tanks. Four crewmen injured and one perished in the explosion. The vessel suffered minor water ingress and developed a list. All the crew evacuated, but two crew later returned to take part in salvage operations. The vessel was reported to be later towed to a shipyard in Tuzia.

One Dead, Four Injured in Istanbul Tanker Blast (gcaptain.com)

Karm Viking

January 16, 2014 Paul Hancock

The 34 meter long guard vessel Karm Viking caught fire after two gas bottles exploded on board at Seljesanden, Norway. The former fishing vessel had two crew on board when the fire alarm sounded and smoke erupted from below decks. The men contacted the local fire brigade who got the fire under control, but not after the interior of the vessel was burned out. The Karm Viking was later towed out into the fjord as concerns that the fire could reignite or other welding tanks on board would explode. No reports of injuries.

Collision off Busan

January 2, 2014 Paul Hancock

On December 29, 2013, the 55700 gt car carrier Gravity Highway collided with the 44404 dwt chemical tanker Maritime Maisie off Busan, South Korea. The car carrier was on sea trials with 64 staff and crew when it struck into the port side of the tanker. The Maritime Maisie suffered 8 meter hole and suffered a small explosion as two chemical containers of paraxylene and crylonitrile caught fire. Authorities dispatched over a dozen rescue vessels and helicopters to the scene. All 91 persons from both vessels were safely evacuated. Some crew suffered minor injuries from slight burns. Authorities stated that the fire was under the control, but some 4000 tons of chemicals had already burned. The tanker may break-up or sink as the vessel developed a 20 degree list from the water ingress. The Maritime Maisie was en route to Ningbo from Busan. The car carrier was taken under tow to a nearby shipyard. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.