INDIA – Explosion and Fire on Hong Kong-Flagged Tanker Fulda: All 21 Crew Rescued

An explosion and fire broke out on the Hong Kong-flagged tanker Fulda on July 6, just hours after it departed India’s Kandla Port bound for Sohar, Oman.

The blast occurred during gas-freeing operations about two hours after departure, tearing open part of the forward deck and causing the vessel to list. There were 21 crew members on board — 11 Chinese, seven Myanmar, two Bangladeshi, and one Indonesian national. All were rescued safely by nearby tugs and the Indian Coast Guard, with no reported injuries.

The Fulda, built in 1999, had recently discharged a methanol cargo and was carrying about 390 metric tons of fuel oil. Authorities suspect residual vapors may have ignited during tank-cleaning.

Indian officials have contained the situation and are monitoring for pollution while an investigation into the cause and the ship’s condition continues.

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