Explosion kills three on bunker tanker in Nakhodka, Russia

Russian authorities have confirmed that three crewmembers were killed in an explosion on a tanker in the country’s far east on the morning (local time) of Saturday, November 2.

Officials of the Russian Investigative Committee said the incident on the bunkering vessel Zaliv Amerika which was anchored near the Port of Nakhodka occurred as a result of a “gas and air mixture” that had also left the ship’s interior severely damaged. However, no fire or exterior damage was reported.

Two crewmembers were killed instantly in the blast. A third individual was thrown overboard during the incident and was initially reported as missing but was later found dead.

Authorities believe the third crewmember had drowned after being thrown from the ship by the blast.

The tanker has since been towed to port in Nakhodka as part of an ongoing probe to determine the cause of the explosion.