Tanker SMOOTH SEA 22 suffered explosion, followed by fire, at around 0900 LT Jan 17, at ship repair facility on Mae Klong river, west of Bangkok, Thailand. 7 people are missing, 4 suffered injures. As of 1530 LT fire was said to be under control. Tanker was undergoing maintenance repairs, explosion occurred during wielding works, so obviously, explosion was caused by gas in tank or tanks, which weren’t properly degassed. AIS undamaged, remains on air.
Product tanker SMOOTH SEA 22, IMO 9870991, dwt 6500, built 2018, flag Thailand, manager SMOOTH SEA CO LTD.