Two Killed, One Missing after Explosion on Russian Tanker

Two people died and another person is missing following an explosion on board a Russian tanker in the country’s Far Eastern Nakhodka Bay.

The incident involving the Zaliv Amerika vessel occurred in the morning hours (local time) of November 2, 2019, according to a statement issued by the Russian Far Eastern Prosecutor’s Office.

Specifically, the ship’s cargo tank exploded while the 3,300 dwt bunkering tanker was anchored in the bay, awaiting approval to dock. Zaliv America was in ballast at the time, not carrying any cargo, Nayada, the vessel’s operator, confirmed in a separate statement.

No blaze and no oil spill were detected, Nayada added.

The remaining nine of twelve crew members aboard Zaliv America were not injured, the bunker company further said.

An investigation into the causes of the incident has been launched.

The 3,550 cbm tanker, built in Denmark in 1989, remains moored at the pier in the seaport of Nakhodka.

World Maritime News Staff