The 291 meter long, 82500 dwt LNG tanker Explorer caught fire in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Gujarat, India. The tanker was en route to Dahej when a fire broke out in the engine room. The crew responded and was able to extinguish the blaze, but the fire damage was significant. The LNG tanker was disabled and went adrift. The Explorer requested assistance with multiple tugs responding. The tugs took the Explorer under tow. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 2242 dwt chemical tanker Shoko Maru exploded while in the Japan Sea off Kobe, Japan. The tanker was anchored with only ballast after off loading heavy oil at a nearby port when fumes from the cargo tanks exploded. Seven crew were rescued, but many suffered burns and were hospitalized. The master of the vessel was reported missing and presumed lost.
The Shoko Maru suffered extensive damage from the explosion and resulting fire. Coast Guard and fire fighting vessels were able to extinguish the blaze, but the tanker sustained too much damage and sank bow a short time later. Reports state the explosion was started by a spark while a crewman using a grinder to remove paint off the cargo deck.
The 129 meter long, 13153 dwt chemical tanker Lady Cordelia ran aground while approaching the entrance to the port of Mocha, Yemen. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Divers were requested to do an inspection of the hull before any attempts to refloat the vessel are started.
