The 112 meter long, 4347 gt tanker Dongfang Glory exploded and caught fire on the Batang Belawai near Tanjung Manis, Malaysia. The tanker was undergoing maintenance with 17 crew and 5 repair workers when an there was an explosion followed by a fire on the main deck. Authorities were alerted and dispatched the nearby fire brigade to the scene. Before fire fighters arrived, the crew of the Dongfang Glory were able to douse the fire. Two crew members and the master of the Dongfang Glory sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
The 59 meter long, 948 dwt tanker Hai Ha 18 suffered an explosion while berthed at Hai Phong, Vietnam. The Hai Ha 18 had been loaded with 900 tons of gasoline when a fuel pump transferring the fuel malfunctioned causing an explosion. A huge fireball erupted from the starboard tank and dense smoke filled the sky. Local authorities dispatched up to 400 firefighters and 15 fire trucks while two vessels attempted to douse the flames. Fearing the fire would get out of control authorities requested the Hai Ha 18 to be taken under tow away from nearby vessels and buildings. Nearby residents were told to be prepared to evacuate if the fire couldn’t be contained. After several hours, the fire was eventually brought under control.
Damage to the starboard hull was severe with part of the hull collapsed by the intense heat of the fire. Booms were placed around the vessel in case the hull ruptures. The Hai Ha 18 still had some gasoline in its cargo tanks after the fire which will be pumped out. No reports of any deaths from the explosion or fire.
On March 6, the 353 meter long, 162051 dwt container ship Maersk Honam caught fire in the Arabian Sea near the Agatti Islands. The Maersk Honam had departed from Singapore and was enroute to the Suez Canal when fire broke out in the one of the containers in the cargo hold. The 27 crew on board began fire fighting efforts to contain the blaze, but the fire quickly spread to other containers. Flames engulfed the main deck and the fire was out of control. The Maersk Honam sent out a distress call before the crew abandoned ship. Twenty-three crew members were later rescued by the cargo vessel ALS Cicero responding. Several crew members had sustained injuries and required medical attention. Four crew were reported as missing and presumed to be still on the Maersk Honam.
Photo: Indian Coast Guard
Photo: Indian Coast Guard
Vessels on scene with the Maersk Honam reported several explosions from the intense fire on the container ship. Flames from the main deck reached 25 meters high nearly reaching the Maersk Honam’s bridge.
Indian Coast Guard has launched search and rescue operations to find the missing crew. Specialized vessels have been dispatched to assist while authorities coordinate salvage efforts with the vessel’s owners.
