Moscow [Russia], February 10: An explosion occurred in the engine room of an oil tanker at the Ust-Luga port in Russia's Leningrad Oblast on Sunday, but there is no threat of an oil spill, regional authorities said.
"Preliminary information indicates that an explosion occurred in the engine room during preparations to operate the main engine, prompting the crew to evacuate ashore," reported the Russian Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport (Rosmorrechflot).
"The ship's cargo tanks were not damaged, and there was no fuel spill. All crew members are safe," Rosmorrechflot said, adding that the tanker has no risk of sinking.
Leningrad Governor Alexander Drozdenko said on his Telegram channel that a technical incident occurred on the Koala tanker during the engine startup, and the tanker remains docked at the pier.
Authorities said that investigations into the blast are underway.
According to the Telegram channel BAZA, the Koala tanker is carrying approximately 130,000 tons of fuel oil.
Source: Xinhua News Agency
