VLCC Explodes off Oman Coast

A Shipping Corporation of India very large crude carrier (VLCC) has suffered an explosion in one of its cargo tanks while transiting off the coast of Oman, the shipowner confirmed Tuesday.

Three crew members of the 316,409 DWT oil tanker Desh Vaibhav are reported missing, and one person with burn injuries has been evacuated by helicopter, according to a press release issued by the shipowner.

The 2005-built Desh Vaibhav was sailing toward Fujairah, UAE when the blast occurred around 9:35 a.m. IST, the shipowner said. The resulting fire has reportedly subsided.

A firefighting vessel was said to be on its way to the scene, and the shipowner said it was also seeking assistance from the Oman Royal Navy and nearby ships.