Oil Tanker & Cargo Ship Catches Fire, Killing Captain & Injuring 2 Crew Members

An oil tanker and a cargo ship caught fire in the southern coastal city of Yeosu, South Korea, on Saturday, killing one and leaving two injured.

The Coast Guard in Yeosu, 320 kilometres south of Seoul, said that a fire broke out on the 2692-ton tanker and the 24-ton cargo ship, which were moored next to each other.

Witnesses from nearby ships informed the Coast Guard of the accident.

Per authorities, all 18 crew members, 14 onboard the oil tanker and 4 on the cargo ship, were rescued.

However, the captain of the smaller ship was found unconscious and later declared dead.

Two crew members from the old tanker suffered from burns, per reports.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but an investigation into the incident has begun.

The fire was brought under control and extinguished around 7:45 a.m.

According to the Coast Guard, the tanker had 2500 tons of toxic chemicals, but it is not confirmed whether they spilt into the ocean.

Source: Maritime Shipping News