At around 6:30 pm local time on June 24, an explosion occurred on the chemical tanker “Bow Hercules”, which was moored at the Port of Shannon Foynes in County Limerick, Ireland, triggering a major emergency response. Port operations were forced to suspend.
Subsequently, several ambulances went to the port for rescue. The port operator confirmed that two crew members on board were seriously injured in the accident. The most seriously injured was evacuated by the dispatched air rescue equipment, and the other crew member was evacuated by ambulance. Both were from the Philippines.
At the time of the incident, the chemical tanker “Bow Hercules” was undergoing routine maintenance. The explosion was caused by a gas cylinder explosion. The two injured crew members were performing routine work near the vessel’s lifeboat at the time, which was very close to the explosion site.
“Bow Hercules” is operated by Odfjell Tankers, flies the Norwegian flag. It was built in 2017 and has a total length of 183 meters and a deadweight of 40,847 tons.
Shannon Foynes Port is Ireland’s largest bulk and general cargo port. Port operations have resumed following the stabilization of the situation. The “Bow Hercules” remains moored at the port and is undergoing safety inspections and investigations into the cause of the explosion.