Shipping Company Confirms Two Casualties from VLCC Explosion Off Oman

This photo that has circulated online allegedly shows damage from the explosion. 

The Shipping Corporation of India has confirmed two casualties as the result of an explosion on one their VLCCs off the coast of Oman on Tuesday.

In an update issued Wednesday, the company reported that the situation on board the MT Desh Vaibhav is “totally under control” and the vessel continues to be under full command. All personnel who had abandoned ship have returned are back on board safely, the update said. 

Tragically, however, two casualties have been reported and are in the process of being sent ashore, according to the update. 

Another injured crewman is being treated in a hospital in Muscat, Oman.

As we reported yesterday, the Indian-flagged VLCC Desh Vaibhav was underway to Fujairah, UAE when an explosion took place in one of the ship’s cargo holds. The vessel is not laden with oil.

SCI initially reported that three crew members were reported missing while one other person with injuries was being evacuated by helicopter.

Based on information currently available, we understand that the three crew members missing had abandoned ship but were picked up by another vessel in the vicinity and returned to the VLCC.

“The vessel will be shortly shifted to nearest port for assessment of damage and repairs,” Wednesday’s update said. 

The M/T Desh Vaibhav was built in 2005 and has a deadweight of 316,409 tonnes. It is one of four VLCCs operated by the SCI, according to the company’s website.

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