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Category: Explosion

Wan Hai 503

Wan Hai 503

Wan Hai 503
Photo: Indian Coast Guard

On the morning of June 9, the 269 meter long, 51300 dwt container ship Wan Hai 503 (IMO: 9294862) caught fire in the Arabian Sea some 40 km west of the Beypore-Azhikkal coast of India. The Wan Hai 503 was proceeding to Nhava Dheva from Colombo with 650 containers when one or more containers exploded amidships. The explosion resulted in many containers destroyed with 20 upwards to 50 containers that fell overboard into the sea. The explosion resulted in a fire which quickly spread to other containers and throughout the vessel.

The fire could not be contained and 18 of the 22 crew members on the Wan Hai 503 abandoned ship. Ten crew members escaped using the no. 2 lifeboat while 8 others used one of the vessel’s life rafts. Four crew members were reported missing and may have perished from the explosion.

 

The Indian Coast Guard and Navy conducted a search and rescue operation and safely recovered the 18 crew members. Three crew members were injured along with two others who had suffered severe burns from the fire.  The Coast Guard also issued an advisory in the area for the risk of drifting containers off the coast. Aircraft were deployed to monitor the Wan Hai 503 for potential pollution released with the risk of more containers falling into the sea along with oil pollution if the container ship would sink.

Indian authorities has asked the vessel owners, Wan Hai Lines, to appoint a salvage company with fire fighting capabilities to recover the Wan Hai 503. However, the fire has consumed much of the forward container holds, the Wan Hai 503 may sink before any salvage attempt can be made.  The container ship was last reported to have developed a list to port caused by water ingress.  The container ship was reported to be drifting south to southeast and there is concern any oil pollution released would impact the areas of Kozhikode and Kochi.

Hunts Point

Hunts Point

Hunts Point
Photo: fox5ny.com

On the morning of May 24, the 88 meter long, 5000 dwt waste disposal barge Hunts Point (IMO: 9648049) exploded while berthed on the Hudson River near the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant, New York, New York. Several workers were engaged on the barge when a sparks ignited gas resulting an explosion. One worker was killed from the explosion after being knocked unconscious and thrown into the river.  Two other workers sustained injuries from the blast with one taken to hospital for treatment.

Reports state the vessel was loaded with raw sewage at the time of the incident. After the explosion, the deck of the Hunts Point was covered in sewage. New York Fire fighters along with other first responders had to undergo decontamination from exposure.

The New York Police and Fire Departments have launched an investigation into the incident. No details disclosed on the environmental impact caused by the incident.

 

Ronggolawe 09

Ronggolawe 09

Ronggolawe 09
Photo: depbug.go.id

On the morning of March 13, the 48 meter long tanker Ronggolawe 09 (MMSI: 525501884) caught fire in the Java Sea near Lamongan, Indonesia. The Ronggolawe 09 was headed to Lamongan from Gresik when it attempted to transfer 25 tons of diesel fuel to the tug TB Rosalin 08.  During the transfer, there was an explosion resulting in a fire on the deck of the tanker. All the crew on board the Ronggolawe 09 abandoned ship into the sea.  The fire also engulfed the TB Rosalin 08, but the fire on the tug would later be extinguished by authorities.  Fire fighters arrived on scene several hours later and were later able to extinguish the blaze on the Ronggolawe 09.

Reports state that 4 crew of the 11 of the Ronggolawe 09 were still missing. Authorities have not stated the number of crew who were injured from both vessels.  The Ronggolawe 09  sustained significant damage, but was reported to be still afloat.