Demolition work has been blamed for a blast and fire that struck a decommissioned tanker off Trinidad & Tobago.
The incident involving a ship named as the Aqua Marine happened on 14 May, Newsday reported.
The tanker had been anchored off Port of Spain for scrapping.
A report by the national fire service found the incident had been “accidental”.
Deputy chief fire officer Andy Hutchinson said hot works were being conducted by six staff from marine services company Sea Neptunas.
Sparks and hot metals came into contact with flammable substances on board the vessel at that time, he added.
The fire started in the engine room, Hutchinson reported.
Black smoke was seen billowing from the vessel as a tug tried to extinguish the flames.
The port authority and pilot association were also involved in the firefighting effort.
The fire service said a small explosion occurred on board the tanker, sending three 20-gallon steel barrels overboard.
A barge had been attached to the ship. Firefighters experienced difficulty in separating the unit.
Fire contained
But the blaze was eventually brought under control later that day, after 3.5 hours.
Officers used nearly 100,000 gallons of seawater in the operation.
No injuries or significant pollution were reported.
The six workers had been evacuated by coastal police.
The owner of the vessel was identified as Jose Marina.
The ship’s history is not known. Local reports suggested the tanker had been abandoned in the area 11 years ago.
