National Transportation Safety Board Marine Accident Report: Explosion and Fireon Board the U.S. Tankship OMI Charger at Galveston, Texas, October 9, 1993

摘要

On October 9, 1993, an explosion occurred on board the 660-foot-long U.S.tankship OMI CHARGER, which was anchored in Bolivar Roads near Galveston, Texas. At the time of the explosion, a welder, who was making repairs to stop a small leak in the bulkhead, burned through the bulkhead, initiating an explosion in the No. 5 port cargo tank. The welder, the firewatch, and the vessel's pumpman were killed by the explosion. The vessel, valued at $12 million, was declared a constructive total loss. The safety issues discussed in the report include preparation of tanks for welding on board the OMI CHARGER; management oversight of tank vessel gas-freeing procedures; fire and disaster preparedness in the Galveston area; and timeliness of toxicological testing.