The 114 meter long, 6802 dwt tanker Mar Cristina suffered an explosion while moored at Sandefjord, Norway. The explosion occurred in the forward section of the tanker while it was loading a cargo of sludge. The Mar Cristina suffered damage to it’s deck and hull. No reports of injuries, but one crewman was taken to hospital to be checked out. An investigation into the cause of the explosion is being conducted.
The 39 meter long, 338 ton self-propelled barge Varia (built 1928) suffered an explosion while in Terneuzen, Netherlands. The explosion occured in the forecastle of the vessel while it was moored in a side channel. The master of the vessel was seriously injured and was taken to hospital in Ghent. A fire emerged from the explosion was quickly extinguished. The Varia suffered some damage with many rivets popped out causing several leaks. The cargo of coal on the Varia was transferred to the vessel Hollar. This allowed access to plug the leaks and keep the vessel above water. The Varia was later taken to drydock for repairs. Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion.
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A 23-foot commerical fishing vessel sank after an explosion close to the shores of St. Catherines Island, South Carolina. The two crewmen on board were rescued by a good samaritan vessel until two Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew arrived on scene. The helicopter transported the two injured men to hospital. Authorities have deployed pollution specialists to investigate the location where the vessel sank.
