Tanker Explosion Off Kandla Prompts Evacuation And Pollution Response

An explosion and fire aboard a product tanker off the coast of India near Kandla Port on 6 July led to a full crew evacuation and an urgent maritime emergency response. The incident, which occurred while the vessel was en route to Oman, has raised serious safety and environmental concerns.

Emergency Response and Crew Evacuation

The explosion was first reported at 1:05 p.m. by a nearby vessel, prompting Indian maritime authorities to initiate a rescue operation. By 7 p.m., worsening conditions led the tanker’s captain to formally request evacuation.

Thanks to prompt action, all 21 crew members—comprising nationals from China, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Myanmar—were safely rescued by a tugboat dispatched from Kandla. No casualties were reported.

Cause and Investigation

Initial investigations suggest the explosion may have resulted from improper gas-freeing procedures, a process used to ventilate cargo tanks. The vessel had previously carried methanol, a highly flammable substance, and improper flushing or static discharge may have triggered the blast. The exact cause will be confirmed following an official inquiry.

Environmental Safety Measures

Though no oil spill has been confirmed, the vessel was carrying over 380 metric tons of fuel, prompting authorities to initiate comprehensive pollution prevention protocols. The Indian Coast Guard deployed ships, including a pollution control vessel, to monitor and manage the situation. The damaged vessel remains afloat with no water ingress reported as of the latest update.

Nearby vessels have been advised to steer clear of the area to minimize risk, while surveillance and precautionary efforts continue to ensure maritime and environmental safety.

The tanker explosion off Kandla highlights the persistent dangers involved in handling volatile cargo and underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols. The swift rescue and containment efforts have so far averted a broader crisis, but the incident serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between industrial operations and marine safety.