FSO stern flooded, evac, 1 worker died, Gulf of Siam UPDATE

Mikhail VoytenkoThailand
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1230 UTC UPDATE: Confirmed it was an explosion, worker died in explosion. 400,000 barrels of oil on board. No power on board after engine room was flooded. Prime Minister alerted, he’s monitoring situation, ordering Navy and Ministry of Transport to assist by all means possible. No leak so far, AIS off, salvage and authorities preparing all available assets to prevent and contain possible spill.

Chevron Offshore (Thailand) Ltd issued a report on Mar 13 accident on board of Float Storage Unit FSO BENCHAMAS 2, positioned in Gulf of Siam, which caused the death of one personnel. During repairs of underwater valves in aft part of the vessel, water ingress occurred, flooding sections or section of FSO, followed by aft heavy tilt. One worker died in this accident. All non-essential personnel was evacuated, situation is said to be under control.
FSO BENCHAMAS 2, IMO 9169706, dwt 105400, built 1999, flag Malaysia, operator Chevron.

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My name is Mikhail Voytenko, I’m Russian, professional merchant marine navigator, by education and former experience. I own and run Maritime Bulletin website for more than 10 years. I've been involved in solving a number of piracy hijack cases, including the hijack of ro-ro FAINA, loaded with tanks. It was me who made public, and unravel, freighter ARCTIC SEA mystery. I've been also closely involved in a number of maritime disaster, one of them being MSC FLAMINIA major fire.