Singapore-based shipping company Hafnia, part of BW Group, confirmed that one of its LR1 product tankers was hit from an external source whilst discharging at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at approximately 00:40 on 14 December, causing an explosion and subsequent fire onboard.
However, the vessel involved was the Singapore-flagged, 2008-built BW Rhine, while earlier reports indicated that the affected vessel was either the Dominican-flagged M/T Desert Rose or the Saudi-flagged bunkering vessel AL Aamal AL Saudi. All 22 seafarers have been accounted for with no injuries.
When the incident occurred, the Master immediately ceased all discharge operations and enacted emergency procedures onboard.
The crew extinguished the fire with assistance from the shore fire brigade and tug boats. Hull damage occurred at 5P WBT (water ballast tank 5 on the port side) and 4P COT (cargo tank 4 on the port side), the company said.
It is possible that some oil has escaped from the vessel, but this has not been confirmed and instrumentation currently indicates that oil levels on board are at the same level as before the incident.
Meanwhile, cooling procedures and inerting of cargo space have been initiated to avoid reignition of fire. Ship stability is being assessed before proceeding with any further operations.
Hafnia has activated its shore-based emergency response team. All relevant authorities have been advised of the incident and Hafnia is working with them to ensure the ongoing security of the crew, vessel and environment.
UKMTO informed that Jeddah port had reopened after closing following the incident.
It is yet unknown who is behind the attack. Al Arabiya TV cited the captain of the BW Rhine as saying that small boats had been spotted ahead of the explosion.
These acts of terrorism and vandalism, directed against vital installations, go beyond the Kingdom and its vital facilities, to the security and stability of energy supplies to the world and the global economy,
…the Saudi energy ministry spokesman was quoted as saying by Reuters.
