2 Injured in Fumigation Agent Explosion on Ship off Odongdo, Yeosu

140-Ton Class Petroleum Product Carrier Crew Members Injured in Fumigant Explosion

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik] The Yeosu Maritime Police Station in Jeonnam announced on the 14th that "a fumigant loaded on a 140-ton petroleum product carrier exploded off Odongdo in Yeosu, injuring two crew members who were urgently transported."

According to Yeosu Maritime Police, at around 1:07 PM on the same day, a fumigant explosion occurred on the 140-ton petroleum product carrier A (4 crew members on board, Yeosu-registered, carrying waste oil, fumigants, etc.) approximately 5.5 km northeast off Odongdo, Sujeong-dong, Yeosu City. The incident was reported via the Yeosu Port Maritime Traffic Control Center.

The maritime police dispatched patrol vessels and rescue teams, and upon confirmation, crew member B was suspected to have a fractured left leg and crew member C a head injury due to the unexplained fumigant explosion. The Yeosu rescue team promptly transported them to nearby land and handed them over to the 119 ambulance service.

Additionally, smoke continued to emanate from the fumigants loaded on the deck of the accident vessel A. Initial firefighting efforts were made using portable fire extinguishers, but difficulties arose due to the risk of further explosions.

Because fumigants chemically generate intense heat upon contact with water, posing a high risk of fire and explosion, the accident vessel A will be moved to Sinbukhang Pier for firefighting and removal of explosive materials.

A Yeosu Maritime Police official stated, "Once the fire is extinguished, we plan to investigate the exact cause of the explosion and fire by interviewing ship personnel and witnesses."

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik hss79@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.