Tanker Explodes off Zhanjiang Port, Two Crewmen Missing

Two crew members are missing after the 2013-built, 4,577 DWT product tanker Run Guang 9 exploded near Zhanjiang port on January 4, according to the Zhanjiang Maritime Safety Administration, Guandong province, China.

The tanker was  en route from Zhuhai port to Zhanjiang when one of its cargo holds caught fire and exploded about 13 kilometres off the coast.

Out of the remaining twelve crew members that were rescued, three needed medical attention and were hospitalized, but with no life-threatening injuries.

Zhanjiang Maritime Safety Administration coordinated the rescue operations which included more than ten vessels, managing to put out the fire on the vessel in the afternoon hours of January 4.

The rescue teams are still deployed in search of the two missing crew members.

World Maritime News Staff