
In a dramatic and potentially devastating incident, a fire broke out early Sunday morning during an allegedly unauthorized ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operation involving two LPG carriers off the coast of Chittagong, Bangladesh.
The vessels involved were the Captain Nikolas and the lighterage vessel B-LPG Sophia, and while no lives were lost, the incident has raised significant concerns about maritime safety, regulatory compliance, and possible sanctions violations.
Incident Overview
The Captain Nikolas was anchored off Kutubdia Island, Chattogram, over the weekend to transfer cargo to the smaller vessel B-LPG Sophia. The operation, which commenced at midnight, took a dangerous turn at approximately 12:45 AM when a fire erupted aboard both vessels during the cargo transfer.
The Bangladesh Coast Guard, together with the Navy, dispatched a total of seven vessels to the scene to contain the blaze. Fortunately, they were able to bring the fire under control before it spread further, preventing an environmental catastrophe.
In the chaos that ensued, 31 crew members jumped into the sea to escape the flames. Quick rescue efforts ensured that all crew members were safely recovered, and no significant injuries were reported.
Damage Assessment and Initial Findings
According to New Age Bangladesh, the Captain Nikolas managed to escape serious damage, but the B-LPG Sophia sustained substantial structural losses. Initial reports suggest that cargo transfer procedures might have been compromised, and questions are now being raised about whether the cargo origin was properly declared.