The Transport Accident Investigation Commission of New Zealand (TAIC) is investigating an accident on the Malta-registered bulk carrier Olivia, which is currently berthed at South Port in Bluff.
The reported circumstances were that three crewmembers on board Olivia were working on a boiler in the engine room on Saturday, May 24. During this process, there was an explosion or flashback, causing injury to the three crewmembers.
Local media confirmed that an ambulance team later arrived on-scene to render assistance to the injured crewmembers, two of whom are reported to be in serious condition.
The seriously injured individuals have since been brought to hospital, while the fire triggered by the explosion was successfully extinguished by the ship's crew.
TAIC is investigating this "serious marine casualty" as required under the International Maritime Organisation’s Casualty Investigation Code.
Olivia arrived in South Port on April 22, 2025, and has remained there since. It was originally scheduled to depart on Thursday, May 29.