Tanker Disaster Unfolds Off Indian Coast Following Methanol Spill, 21 Crew Members Saved

A recent publication by Times of Oman highlights a significant incident involving the Hong Kong-flagged product tanker, MV Fulda, which experienced an explosion near Kandla, Gujarat. This event unfolded shortly after the vessel had offloaded its methanol cargo.

In response to the explosion that occurred around 1:05 PM IST—just two hours post-departure from Deendayal Port—the Indian Coast Guard and local pollution control agencies sprang into action. Fortunately, all 21 crew members were safely evacuated without injury.

The MV Fulda, a 26-year-old tanker weighing in at 19,477 dwt and managed by Fulda Industrial from Hong Kong, was en route to Port Sohar in Oman when disaster struck. The crew comprised individuals from various countries: 11 Chinese nationals, two Bangladeshi crew members, one Indonesian sailor, and seven from Myanmar.

The first alert about the explosion came from another nearby vessel named Team Focus. This bulk carrier reported a significant list as it attempted to stabilize itself while anchored close to the scene of the incident.

While no flames or smoke were visible emanating from the ship following the blast,ample damage was evident on its forward deck area. Authorities confirmed that although there was extensive damage above waterline level, the hull remained intact with no signs of underwater breaches or water ingress.

By evening at around 7:00 PM IST, an emergency evacuation request was made by Fulda’s captain. The tugboat Orchid star promptly arrived on-site and successfully facilitated a safe return for all crew members back to port.

Preliminary investigations suggest that improper gas-freeing procedures may have led to this unfortunate event. Gas-freeing is crucial for ensuring cargo tanks are devoid of flammable vapors before maintenance or reloading operations can commence. It appears there may have been lapses in handling these vapors properly which allowed perilous mixtures to accumulate—potentially ignited by static electricity due to inadequate equipment bonding practices.

At the time of this incident, over 384 metric tons of fuel were still aboard; though, no oil spill has been reported thus far. In light of potential environmental risks posed by such incidents—a pollution prevention operation has already been initiated with vessels like samudra Pavak deployed alongside Indian Coast Guard ships for ongoing monitoring efforts.

Currently stable at its location off kandla’s coast while under observation by authorities—the DGS has mandated that owners appoint a salvage company and keep officials updated on developments regarding their vessel’s condition. ClassNK will also evaluate stability issues related to MV Fulda as part of ongoing assessments following previous inspections revealing concerns about safety protocols onboard during earlier dockings in Shanghai.

Om Prakash Dadlani from deendayal Port Authority noted how swiftly their team responded during this crisis ensuring every crewmember returned safely home—a testament not only reflecting preparedness but also highlighting recent maritime challenges faced within Indian waters including other notable incidents involving fires aboard different vessels earlier this year requiring naval intervention for rescue operations amidst perilous conditions at sea.

As investigations continue into what caused this latest mishap—vessels operating nearby are advised maintain safe distances due possible hazards arising either through fire risk or environmental contamination concerns stemming directly out such explosive events occurring offshore today!