The 11k DWT chemical tanker Harbour Krystal exploded and caught fire off Portugal today while carrying a cargo of naphtha. One crew member is missing.
According to reports, a Svitzer tug is on scene and the vessel is being brought in to Setúbal. The ship is managed by Nordic Tankers.
We’ll keep you updated when we get an official statement from the shipowner.
Statement from Nordic Tankers:
The fire onboard the vessel has been successfully extinguished.
All cargo tanks are intact, inerted and unaffected by the fire. There is no danger of pollution from either cargo or bunker fuel and the vessel’s hull integrity is fully intact.
One member of crew remains unaccounted for and a full search and rescue operation, coordinated by the local authorities, remains our priority.
Discussions are ongoing with the Portuguese with regards to the next course of action. A Naval vessel will be in the vicinity shortly in order to better assess the situation. We would like to thank the Portuguese authorities for their prompt and professional assistance.
The vessel is carrying a cargo of light virgin naptha and was bound for Amsterdam at the time of the incident.
MT Harbour Krystal is a 2006 built double hulled tanker of 11,262 dwt.