Tanker explodes off Indian port
Fire and Explosion on Tanker Near Kandla
A significant maritime incident unfolded off the coast of Kandla, India, on Sunday afternoon when the Hong Kong-flagged product tanker Fulda caught fire and exploded while heading to Port Sohar, Oman. The explosion, which happened during routine gas-freeing operations, led to an emergency evacuation of the ship’s 21 crew members and prompted a swift response from Indian maritime authorities.
Emergency Evacuation and Response
The incident was first reported at approximately 1:05 PM IST by the nearby vessel Team Focus. The 26-year-old tanker Fulda had departed from Kandla earlier that morning at 11:00 AM IST. Following the explosion, the vessel developed a significant 22-degree list to starboard, which later shifted to port as crew members attempted to stabilize the situation.
By 7:00 PM IST, the ship’s master requested immediate evacuation. All 21 crew members, comprising 11 Chinese, two Bangladeshi, one Indonesian, and seven Myanmarese nationals, were safely rescued by the tug Orchid Star, which was dispatched from Kandla. Initially reported as under control, the evolving circumstances and structural damage prompted the crew to seek urgent assistance.
The 19,477 dwt tanker, owned by Hong Kong’s Fulda Industrial, was carrying 384.17 metric tons of fuel at the time. While there have been no confirmed reports of oil pollution, a comprehensive pollution prevention operation has been initiated as a precautionary measure. Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion may have resulted from improper handling of flammable vapors during the gas-freeing process—a standard procedure for ventilating tanks before maintenance or loading. It is believed that inadequate flushing may have allowed a dangerous vapor-air mixture to form.
Investigation and Ongoing Monitoring
Experts indicate that static electricity, potentially from poorly maintained equipment or lack of proper bonding, might have ignited the hazardous mixture. However, final conclusions regarding the cause of the explosion will await a formal investigation. In response to the emergency, two tugs and the Indian Coast Guard vessel ICGS C-429, along with the Pollution Control Vessel Samudra Pavak, were deployed to the scene. As of the latest updates, two Indian Coast Guard interceptor boats are on standby, monitoring the Fulda, which remains afloat with no reported water ingress.
Authorities have advised all vessels in the vicinity to maintain a safe distance from the Fulda due to the potential risks of fire or pollution. The situation continues to be closely monitored as teams work to ensure the safety of the crew and the surrounding maritime environment.
