Unexplained Explosion Damages VLCC M. Star

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) reported that at about 5:30 a.m. JST (00:30 local time) on Wednesday, July 28, west of the Strait of Hormuz at 26º27’ N 56º14’ E (Oman territorial waters), the VLCC M. Star owned by MOL, suffered hull damage caused by an explosion which seemed to be an attack from external sources.

The degree and details of hull damage are currently under investigation but no serious injury was reported, although one of the crew was slightly injured, and no oil leaked from the hull.

Further, M. Star continues her voyage, making for the UAE port of Fujairah, where the damage and its causes will be thoroughly investigated.

M. Star took on crude oil Tuesday, July 27, at the UAE Port of Das Island, after which it departed for Chiba Port in Japan.