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.
The 108 meter long, 6232 dwt tanker Northsea Rational ran aground on the Kiel Canal near Horsten, Germany. The Northsea Rational had suffered a malfunction and became disabled. Unable to control steering, the vessel ran up on the northern bank of the canal. The vessel requested assistance with the tug Holtenau dispatched to the scene. The Holtenau pulled the Northsea Rational free and took it under tow. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
