Discover the Thracia-Ka: Ratings & Maritime News

On June 10, the chemical tanker Kemal Ka, identified by IMO number 9493377, experienced a catastrophic explosion approximately 13 nautical miles off the coast of Almedina, close to Chipiona. The incident necessitated the urgent evacuation of three crew members. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Cadiz dispatched a helicopter to the scene, successfully retrieving the bosun, chief mate, and a seaman. Tragically, the bosun succumbed to injuries en route to the hospital, while the other two crew members remain in critical condition. Following the explosion, which did not lead to a fire, the vessel was waiting for instructions from its owners after completing cargo loading in Huelva. Post-incident, the Kemal Ka was granted permission to dock in Cadiz. Preliminary investigations suggest that the crew, who were reportedly working on the cargo deck, may have been exposed to hazardous vapours that led to the explosion, hinting at potential negligence in safety protocols.