Massive Fire Breaks Out on Tanker Engaged in Illicit Fuel Transfer, Kills 3 Crew Members

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A tragic incident occurred on March 13, 2025, near Lamongan, Indonesia. An explosion and subsequent fire onboard resulted in the deaths of three crew members, with several others sustaining burn injuries. Sadly, four crew members remain missing. Search and rescue operations are likely underway, reports Marine Insight. 

Tanker Explosion 

A tanker explosion and fire occurred during an unauthorized fuel transfer to a tug. The tanker was illegally transferring about 25 tonnes of diesel fuel to the tug when the blast happened.

Thirty minutes later, a fire erupted on the tanker and quickly spread to the tug. All crew members from both vessels jumped overboard to escape the flames, and the tanker drifted away while burning intensely.

Firefighting efforts began at 9:00 a.m. The tug’s fire was extinguished by 10:00 a.m., and the tanker’s fire was brought under control by 12:30 p.m.

Authorities from the East Java Police, Lamongan Police, and Lamongan Shorebase Port responded to the incident. An investigation is underway, and a search is ongoing for missing crew members.

The tanker suffered severe damage to its front and middle sections after the fire was extinguished, so it was towed to a nearby beach.

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Source: Marine Insight