Friendshipgas

On 24 July 2008, the Panamanian gas tanker was in dock at Perama Shipyard (Greece) for repairs when it suffered an explosion and went on fire. The fire brigade worked for over 4 hours to extinguish the fire and prevent the flames from reaching the neighbouring vessel. 8 crew members were killed, 4 went missing and 4 were injured. In 2007, two people were killed in this same shipyard.

The explosion took place in one of the gas carrier’s bunker tanks during flame welding. Two maintenance workers were arrested following this incident.

Sources:

- EMSA, 2009, Maritime accident review 2008
- Lloyd's list
- Universal Maritime Trade Union