Our sincere condolences go out to our Indonesian brother’s family, friends and colleagues during this time of tragic loss, and we are rooting for our two brothers who are critically injured.

One dockworker died after explosion and fire on board of product tanker Istana V at the dock in Batu Ampar, Indonesia. The vessel was under repairs at the port, but during welding works on the cargo decks suffered explosion of oil fumes. Another two people were heavily injured and were transported to the hospital in critical condition. The accident was reported to local authorities and was requested immediate assistance with firefighting. Several fire trucks were dispatched at the scene of the burning tanker and started pouring foam over the burning oil products on the main deck. The flames are not yet extinguished and there is immediate danger for the vessel’s seaworthiness, as high temperature might crack hull or cause significant damages.

The investigation for the root cause of the fire is under way. The police and prosecutors will inspect the dock if all the safety rules were followed during the welding works.

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