Explosion onboard Chinese Oil Tanker Kills Two

Two people died last night in an explosion that blasted onboard a 3,700 DWT oil tanker, sailing under the Chinese flag, while undergoing repairs off Jeju Island, Yonhap News Agency reports.

The blast ripped through the air conditioning system in the central compartment of the vessel inflicting lethal injuries to the two crew members who were doing maintenance work.

The cause of the accident is being investigated by the Korean police authorities and local firefighting officials.

The oil tanker, carrying 22 crew members onboard, is said to had been en route to Yeosu, Korea from Jiangsu.

[mappress]
World Maritime News Staff, May 23, 2014; Image: IMO