Casualty News

FULDA

Date
July 6, 2025

Type
Explosion and Fire

Voyage
India/Oman

Reports have been received that Hong Kong flag vessel MT Fulda (11,962gt, built 1999) experienced a devastating explosion in its engine/tank area at approximately 13:05 IST on 6 July 2025, while conducting routine gas‑freeing at anchor. This triggered a fire, tilting the vessel initially 22° to starboard before she listed to port as the crew fought the blaze.

India’s Directorate General of Shipping confirms that the explosion occurred during gas‑freeing of methanol residue, leading to ignition likely from accumulated vapor and static buildup due to poor bonding and inadequate purging.

By 19:00 IST, the master requested evacuation. All 21 crew – comprising 11 Chinese, 2 Bangladeshi, 1 Indonesian, and 7 Myanmarese nationals – were safely evacuated by tug Orchid Star dispatched from Kandla.

Two tugs, Indian Coast Guard vessel ICGS C‑429, and pollution‑control vessel Samudra Pavak were deployed. Two interceptor boats remain on site, monitoring fire and pollution risk. No water ingress has been observed and no pollution confirmed, though pollution‑prevention measures are active. The vessel is still afloat with structural damage; cause and damage assessments are ongoing.

The vessel’s last port of call was Kandla, India, sailing on 6 July 2025, destined for Port Sohar, Oman.

If you are also insurers of cargo on board this vessel and require assistance the any claims arising, then please do not hesitate to contact us. We can assist with:

Arranging cargo damage surveys

Investigating the cause of the incident

Recovery of losses on NO CURE NO PAY terms

Provision of Salvage Guarantees (for a premium starting from 0.4% of guarantee amount)

Handling of Salvage claims (without the need for lawyers)

Providing Average Guarantees

Handling of GA claims

Defence of GA claims in NO CURE NO PAY terms