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Category: Explosion

MSC Cape Town III

MSC Cape Town III

MSC Cape Town III
Photo: SLPA

On August 11, the 222 meter long, 39228 dwt container ship MSC Cape Town III caught fire and exploded while berthed at the JCT 4 jetty at Colombo, Sri Lanka. The boxship was unloading containers when there was an explosion and fire below decks. The local fire brigade responded quickly to the scene while all crew and operational staff evacuated to safety.   Reports stated the temperature below deck had reached over 100 degrees in the hold after the explosion. Fire fighters used carbon dioxide along with water from fire tugs to cool and help control the blaze before the fire was later extinguished several hours later. No reports of injuries. Initial reports state a large number of containers were burnt, but the total number of containers damaged or destroyed has not been released.

Reports state some 950 containers had been unloaded including one container listed carrying hazardous cargo. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident including if any containers had undeclared dangerous materials. Most of the containers were intended to be transferred from the MSC Cape Town III to other vessels bound for Tanzania and other African countries.

YM Mobility

YM Mobility

YM Mobility
Photo: udn.com

On August 9, the 305 meter long, 81,145 dwt container ship YM Mobility (IMO: 9457737) sustained an explosion while berthed at Ningbo, China.  The YM Mobility was loading containers at the Beilun terminal when a reefer container with hazardous materials located in the bow of the YM Mobility exploded.  The explosion generated a shockwave that could be felt over a kilometer away wish reports of broken windows and some building damage to nearby building.  Multiple containers on board the YM Mobility were completely destroyed and scattered over the vessel and dock.

YM Mobility

The YM Mobility sustained some damage, but no details to the extent of damage was been released.  No reports of injuries.

Authorities have stop port operations to carry out safety inspections and conduct clean-up operations. Authorities have stated there will be an investigation into the incident.

 

 

Elisabet Satu

Elisabet Satu

Elisabet Satu
Photo: hubla.dephub.go.id

The 90 meter long, 3639 dwt tanker Elisabet Satu (IMO: 9805128) exploded and caught fire off Manggis, Bali, Indonesia. The tanker was carrying a cargo of diesel fuel when there was an explosion in the vessel’s mess.  Another explosion caused a fire to break out in the engine room.  The crew attempted to extinguish the blaze, but the fire could not be contained.  The Elisbet Satu sent out a distress call requesting assistance as the vessel sustained a power blackout.  Nearby tugs were dispatched to the scene and were able to bring the fire under control.  Five crew perished and another 15 crew were injured.  Reports state the master of the Elisabet Satu was the only person on board uninjured. Three of the injured crew sustained 80% burns and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Reports state the Elisabet Satu was at anchor off Gili Tepekong Island. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. No reports of water ingress or pollution released.