Sulphuric acid tanker suffers explosion during repairs off Norway

August 18 ------ A tanker carrying sulfuric acid suffered an explosion and caught on fire in the Skagerrak off Hvaler, Østfold, Norway.

The 124-metre, 12,696 dwt Bergstraum was undergoing repairs in its forepeak when welding work ignited fumes, triggering an explosion and subsequent fire. The blast was powerful enough to blow iron lock doors off their hinges.

The 15 crew members on board were unharmed.

Norwegian authorities responded by sending rescue helicopters and patrol boats to the vessel. The crew used foam to contain the fire while water was applied to cool the hull. The blaze was extinguished later that day, according to reports.

An inspection found no evidence of pollution or any release of the vessel’s sulfuric acid cargo. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

Source: safety4sea.com