Odfjell tanker explosion seriously injures two
The incident occurred on June 24 at Foynes, Ireland
A rupture of a compressed air cylinder on board a lifeboat is said to be the cause of the explosion
AN EXPLOSION on board a Odfjell-operated tanker has left two people seriously injured, according to a Lloyd’s List Intelligence casualty report.
The incident occurred on Norway-flagged, 2017-built, 40,847 dwt combined chemical and oil tanker Bow Hercules (IMO: 9752046), at the port of Foynes on Ireland’s west coast, just after 1900 hrs on June 24.
According to the LLI report, the incident happened during routine maintenance being carried out on the vessel. The cause of the explosion is thought to be a rupture of a compressed air cylinder on one of the ship’s lifeboats.
One individual was airlifted to nearby Cork University Hospital with severe chest injuries, while another was driven to University Hospital Limerick with facial lacerations. Several other crew members were treated on site for minor cuts and bruises.
Bow Hercules arrived at Foynes from Purfleet , UK, at 0500 hrs on June 24. It remains at the Irish port as of 1430 hrs on June 26.
