– Mohammed Talha Siddi Bapa
Bengaluru: A Hong Kong-flagged chemical tanker, MV Fulda, suffered a powerful explosion off the Gujarat coast on Monday afternoon, shortly after departing Deendayal Port (Kandla). The vessel had just discharged a methanol cargo and was en route to Sohar, Oman when the incident occurred.
The explosion took place around 1:05 PM IST during gas-freeing operations, a routine but hazardous process conducted to clear flammable vapours remaining in the ship’s tanks. The blast caused the ship to list dangerously, first to the starboard side and then to port, prompting an emergency response.
There were 21 crew members on board – comprising nationals from China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. All were safely evacuated without injuries, thanks to a prompt rescue operation led by the tug Orchid Star and coordinated by the Indian Coast Guard and port authorities.
No fire or visible smoke was observed following the explosion, and no oil spill or water ingress has been reported so far. The ship remains afloat and is being closely monitored by emergency teams, including pollution control vessels and interceptor boats.
Preliminary findings suggest that the explosion may have resulted from flammable vapour accumulation, possibly ignited by static discharge or equipment failure. A formal investigation has been initiated by the Directorate General of Shipping.
The MV Fulda, built in 1999, is a 148-meter-long chemical/oil product tanker operating under the Hong Kong flag. It had completed methanol unloading and was scheduled to arrive at Sohar Port on July 11.
This incident comes amid growing concerns over maritime safety in the Indian Ocean, especially regarding hazardous cargo. Authorities have issued advisories to vessels in the vicinity to maintain a safe distance while response operations continue.
