By Our Correspondent
This is official. It has now been confirmed that Float Storage Unit FSO BENCHAMAS 2 encountered an explosion leading to the demise of one crew in the Gulf of Siam.
In its latest update obtained by The Daily, www.thedaily-ng.com, FleetMon, stated: “Confirmed it was an explosion, a worker died in the explosion. 400,000 barrels of oil on board. No power on board after the engine room was flooded. Prime Minister alerted, he’s monitoring the situation, ordering the Navy and Ministry of Transport to assist by all means possible. No leak so far, AIS off, salvage, and authorities preparing all available assets to prevent and contain the possible spill.”
Earlier, FleetMon had maintained that, “Chevron Offshore (Thailand) Ltd issued a report on March 13, 2023 accident on board of Float Storage Unit FSO BENCHAMAS 2, positioned in Gulf of Siam, which caused the death of one person.
“During repairs of underwater valves in the aft part of the vessel, water ingress occurred, flooding sections or sections of FSO, followed by aft heavy tilt. One worker died in this accident. All non-essential personnel was evacuated, and the situation is said to be under control.”