Loud explosion 1 dead in huge fire on ship 28 rescued

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One person went missing and 28 others of the crew of Coastal Jaguar, an offshore support vessel in Bay of Bengal escaped a major fire that started after a loud explosion in the ship on Monday.

According to an official spokesperson of the Eastern Naval Command, the mishap happened at the outer harbour in Visakhapatnam around 11.30 am. There were in all 29 crew members in the vessel and search is going for the missing person. “The crew members of Coastal Jaguar had to abandon their vessel and jump into the water to save themselves from fire which engulfed the vessel,” the spokesperson said.

He said there was reportedly a loud explosion onboard Coastal Jaguar that was followed by thick smoke emanating from the vessel which was engulfed in flames. He said the exact cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained.

The spokesperson said Indian Coast Guard Service (ICGS) Rani Rashmoni, which was in area was diverted to coordinate the rescue operation. Rani Rashmoni in coordination with Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) boats rescued the crew.

The authorities pressed into service ICGS Samudra Paheredar, ICG Helicopter and ICGS C-432. The crew members raised an alarm while jumping into the sea. The coast guard ships responded immediately and rescued them. The Coastal Jaguar was on its way to repair a ship, reportedly being leased by the HPCL for carrying crude oil. About 16 crew members, who suffered injuries, were rushed to a hospital. According to sources, the ship suffered 70% damage.