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Tag: Explosion

Sofia

Sofia

Sofia
Photo: Swedish Maritime Authority

On the evening of November 28, the 70 meter long, 1827 dwt cargo vessel Sofia (IMO: 8616087) suffered an explosion and fire in Baltic Sea some 30 nautical miles off the coast of Bornholm, Denmark. The Sofia was proceeding in ballast from Poland to Karlshamn when the vessel alerted authorities a mayday alert and the crew needed to abandon ship. Both Danish and Swedish authorities dispatched helicopters and vessels to the scene. Reports state a Swedish rescue helicopter was first to arrive over the Sofia and were able to winch up all 5 crew safely.  The helicopter took the crew to Kristianstad and were reported unharmed from the incident. Polish authorities also dispatched the rescue vessel Kapitan Poinc along with a tugboat towards the drifting Sofia.

Sofia
Photo: tvn24.pl

Reports state the vessel’s owners had dispatched a tug from Rostock to take the Sofia under tow and take it to a shipyard for repair. No details on the cause of the explosion nor the extent of damage caused by the explosion and the fire. Authorities stated the Sofia was not a threat to navigation in the area.

 

Banglar Jyoti

Banglar Jyoti

Banglar Jyoti
Photo: bdnews24.com

On the morning of September 30, the 138 meter long, 14,541 dwt tanker Banglar Jyoti (IMO: 8508943) exploded while unloading crude oil in Chittagong, Bangladesh. The Banglar Jyoti was under going routine maintenance/repair work on the forecastle when oil vapors ignited. The resulting explosion ripped open the deck at the forepeak and setting the vessel on fire. Local authorities aided by the Coast Guard, Bangladesh Navy and fire fighters were able to bring the fire under control a few hours later. Three crew were killed by the blast. No further details reported if any other people were injured.

Reports stated that only 800 tons of crude oil had been discharged at the time of the explosion with some 10,900 tons still on board the tanker. All crude oil will be unloaded if the vessel is found safe and machinery is still operational.  Reports state the Banglar Jyoti will be taken to a shipyard for inspection and possibly be salvaged and put back into service. However, the Banglar Jyoti was built in 1987 and past its operational lifespan.

Local authorities nor ship owners have disclosed if the tanker had followed inerting procedures or if the vents were open at the time of the explosion. Inerting has been adopted widely after the SS Sansinena exploded in Los Angeles harbor in 1976.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

BBC Vermont

BBC Vermont

BBC Vermont

On September 18, the 138 meter long, 12,864 dwt cargo vessel BBC Vermont suffered an explosion while 490 miles off Scilly Isles, United Kingdom. The BBC Vermont was en route to Montoir, France when there was an explosion on board. Reports state one crew person was killed in the blast. The vessel remains under its own power and is proceeding to Montoir. Details on the explosion have not yet been reported.