[imagesource:x/arrivealive]

A fishing vessel parked in Table Bay on Monday experienced an unexpected explosion, resulting in one death and four hospitalisations.

The source of the explosion was subsequently found to be a nitrogen tank aboard the Realeka, a trawler owned by the Oceana Group.

Tiana Fataar, communications manager for Oceana Group Limited, explained that the terrifying incident occurred around 5pm on Monday, and has been attributed to a nitrogen tank on board.

“A manufacturing company was installing and testing new equipment on our vessel Realeka as part of a vessel upgrade, alongside Elbow Quay, when an explosion occurred on board,” Fataar elaborated.

City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith and emergency personnel gathered at the scene shortly after the blast, but were shooed away.

“The Fire and Rescue Services of the City of Cape Town responded but were stood down by the Ports Authority and the owners of the ship,” Smith explained.

Health and safety officials have continued to request access to the vessel to ventilate rooms of any ammonia-containing gas, but Fataar responded that the first priority was supporting those families who have been affected:

“Our thoughts are with all the affected families, and we are working together with the manufacturer to provide whatever support is necessary.”

That being said, SAPS spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi has confirmed that the incident will continue to be investigated by authorities to ensure no malicious intent was at play.

Swartbooi also confirmed that, “The victim, 49, was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. Four males who sustained injuries were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.“

It’s no picnic working aboard sea-bound vessels, with the past year seeing similar incidents like the Cape Point boat blaze, where luckily all 26 injured crew members were rescued.

While Monday’s explosion is still under investigation – if you see something, say something! Anyone with additional information on the blast that could help the case, report your sightings to Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

[source:iol]