CHINA – One Missing After Explosion Damages LNG-Powered Feeder Vessel
A crew member remains missing after an explosion damaged an LNG-powered feeder vessel at a Chinese port on Wednesday morning, prompting authorities to suspend port operations and launch a search and recovery effort.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and extinguished the resulting fire, while officials evacuated the vessel as a precaution. Authorities also confirmed that the transported gas cylinders did not ignite, preventing the incident from becoming significantly more serious.
The vessel involved, Yihang Mingyuan, is a hybrid container feeder powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). It operates on the Yangtze River, transporting containers to and from the port of Wuhan.
According to initial information, the explosion occurred at around 5:30 a.m. local time near the stern of the vessel. Later reports indicated the engine room was the likely source of the blast. The force of the explosion sent at least seven containers overboard, along with several gas cylinders that were being carried in transport cradles.
Chinese authorities continue to investigate the cause of the explosion as search efforts for the missing seafarer remain underway.
Photo credit: Chinese social media. All rights reserved.