A major tanker explosion occurred off the Kandla coast in Gujarat on Monday, July 7, 2025, prompting a swift evacuation of all 21 crew members aboard the vessel. The explosion, which took place on a chemical tanker named MT Global Star, sparked panic in the maritime zone but was swiftly contained by emergency responders.
The tanker explosion raised serious safety concerns at sea, although no fatalities or serious injuries were reported. The Indian Coast Guard and Marine Police responded quickly to prevent escalation, ensuring all lives were saved.
Nature and Timing of the Tanker Explosion
The tanker explosion was reported around 10:45 AM IST on July 7, when the MT Global Star was anchored about 12 nautical miles off the Kandla port. Eyewitnesses from nearby vessels saw thick black smoke and heard a loud blast emanating from the ship’s mid-section.
According to initial reports, the tanker explosion is believed to have originated from the cargo hold area, possibly due to chemical vapors igniting under high temperatures.
Authorities are investigating the precise cause of the blast, including possible lapses in safety protocols or technical malfunctions.
21 Crew Members Rescued Without Injuries
Thanks to quick communication between the vessel’s captain and maritime authorities, all 21 crew members aboard the MT Global Star were evacuated safely via lifeboats and Coast Guard hovercrafts.
“We received a distress call from the vessel and acted within minutes. All crew members are accounted for and safe,” said an Indian Coast Guard spokesperson.
The success of the rescue operation turned a potentially tragic tanker explosion into a well-contained maritime emergency.
Coast Guard and Navy’s Rapid Response to Tanker Explosion
The Indian Coast Guard deployed ICGS C-161 and ICGS Samudra Prahari, both patrolling nearby waters, to respond to the incident. A helicopter sortie was also dispatched to assess the fire from air.
Local marine commandos and oil spill response teams were kept on standby as a precaution, though no spillage has been confirmed yet from the tanker explosion.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) and Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) have been briefed and are monitoring the vessel’s condition for any residual risk.
Initial Cause Behind the Tanker Explosion
Although investigations are still ongoing, maritime experts suspect the tanker explosion could be due to volatile chemical fumes igniting inside the containment tanks. High sea temperatures and inadequate ventilation may have contributed to the buildup of gases.
Officials are also checking if the crew followed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for storage and pressure checks before anchorage. A full technical audit of the ship will be undertaken soon.
Impact on Port Operations After Tanker Explosion
While Kandla Port Trust confirmed that port operations remain unaffected, entry routes to the anchorage zone have been restricted for safety reasons. Nearby shipping traffic has been diverted to avoid congestion and potential hazards from the tanker explosion.
Environmental monitoring teams have also been deployed to check for any oil or chemical leakage in the Arabian Sea waters.
Previous Incidents Raise Concerns
This tanker explosion brings back memories of earlier maritime incidents along India’s west coast. In 2021, a similar chemical fire aboard a cargo vessel near Mumbai had raised alarms about emergency preparedness at ports.
Though no major damage has been reported this time, experts suggest that the tanker explosion should prompt stricter inspections and drills, especially during the monsoon season when humidity and heat rise dramatically.
Maritime Safety Recommendations After Tanker Explosion
Following the tanker explosion, maritime safety experts have proposed key recommendations:
- Frequent checks on chemical tanker ventilation systems
- Use of gas detection sensors inside holds
- Mandatory crew training for high-risk cargoes
- Real-time alert systems to coastal authorities
Authorities believe these steps could prevent incidents like the tanker explosion from becoming catastrophic in the future.
Public and Government Reactions
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal commended the swift rescue efforts and called for a detailed inquiry into the tanker explosion.
Social media platforms were flooded with appreciation posts for the Coast Guard and updates about the incident.
“Salute to the brave men at sea. This could have been worse!” — Twitter user
What Happens Next After the Tanker Explosion?
The damaged vessel remains anchored, and a marine safety audit is currently underway. The DG Shipping is expected to submit a preliminary report within 48 hours. The Marine Police have sealed the area to prevent unauthorized access. The tanker explosion has again highlighted the critical importance of proactive safety measures in India’s growing maritime trade sector.
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