Depending on which of the various news reports you read, the MOL 314,016 dwt tanker M. Star suffered either an explosion, was hit by a grenade or was struck by a freak wave caused by an earthquake while transiting the Straits of Hormuz. An intriguing and developing story.
Giant Supertanker Suffers Mystery Explosion
Reports just in that the 160,000 tonne MV M. Star, a Very Large Crude carrier (VLCC) tanker belonging to Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL)suffered an explosion at 00.30 hours local time whilst West of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters. The ship, which suffered hull damage, was reportedly subjected to ‘an attack seemingly from external sources’ according to the owners.
Grenade may have caused MOL tanker explosion
A VERY large crude carrier operated by Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines was today damaged by an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz , with all initial indications pointing to a deliberate grenade attack.
Lloyd’s List spoke with the vessel’s master, Manoj Mathew, who said that the explosion was severe enough to have blown off five doors on the starboard side of the vessel’s accommodation and damaged the starboard lifeboat.
Japanese tanker damaged near Oman
An early report from the Japanese transport ministry said there had been an explosion on board the ship which could have been an attack.
But a port official in the United Arab Emirates says the vessel was hit by a freak wave, triggered by a small earthquake.
Causes behind Oil Tanker, M. Star incident still mysterious
The oil tanker, M. Star flying the flag of the Marshall Islands has suffered mysterious incident, whose causes are not yet known. The competent authorities have embarked on investigating causes shrouding the accident, which did not result in any pollution to the environment or casualties.
Maybe the hull or hold suffered an implosion. Could it have been a partial vacuum?
I think they try to make sure the gas in the hold has reduced oxygen content. Gas pressure changes with temperature. One report mentioned the time to be about 3:30am, the colder part of the day.
Interesting theory that it could be a TANK implosion. However ‘colder’ is strictly relative even at 0030 not 0330 in Strait of Hormuz in July. Believe me !!It is reported as an accommodation damage well clear of the cargo tanks. Grenade damage would be quite different pattern from wave damage as would an implosion from explosion pattern. No doubt political considerations are ‘spinning’ nicely here!!
Good Watch
I will be posting photos later this afternoon. Opinion now seems to be shifting to an old mine or possibly a collision.
Just viewed the photo of the hull damage. First off someone is not telling the truth here. Secondly the damage looks like impact damage from outside the ship itself. To me it looks very much like collision damage with ‘unknown’ surface object. There is a dark smear with the large dent and if the crew report of a ‘flash’ is truthful then possibly the impact was with a mine on the surface. Awaiting the experts report with intetrest.
Good Watch.
Just viewed the photo of the hull damage not accommodation damage, which was sent to me. First off someone is not telling the truth here!! Secondly the damage looks like impact damage from outside the ship itself. To me it looks very much like collision damage with ‘unknown’ surface object. There is a dark smear with the large dent and if the crew report of a ‘flash’ is truthful then possibly the impact was with a mine on the surface. Awaiting the experts report with interest.
Good Watch.