Two people dead and one injured was the aftermath of a fire involving the anchored bulk carrier ‘Ever Judger’ and some fishing vessels, while at eastern Kalimanta, Indonesia, Makassar Strait, on 31st of March. The fire was reportedly originated from an oil spill clean up in the area, but this yet to be confirmed.
Although there is no official details on what happened, international media reported that the anchored ship was caught in blazing fuel on water surface, which probably just drifted towards the vessel.
State-owned energy giant Pertamina, which manages Refinery Unit V in Balikpapan, has denied that the fire was a result of its operations, local media said.
All of the ship’s crew -of Chinese nationality- were evacuated. The two dead men are believed to be fishermen caught in the blaze. Another one reportedly suffered serious burn injuries.
Initial reports suggest that the ‘Ever Judger’ sustained damage by fire at her side. According to local forces, the bulk carrier had already completed the loading of coal and was about to leave, when the incident occurred.
Tugs that headed to the scene prevented fire from spreading further to the holds and cargo of more than 70,000 tons of coal. Further details on the accident are yet to be revealed, as well as what exactly was the connection of the oil spill and the vessel’s fire.
