Deadly Oil Tanker Blast, Fire Reported in Curacao
Date: 21-Sep-07
Country: NETHERLANDS ANTILLES
Author: Irasi Jimenez
Shipping officials said initial reports showed the ship had
been transporting oil products, such as gasoline, and had been
undergoing repairs to its hull, they said.
Local media with journalists reporting from the area said
about 11 people died in an explosion on the tanker. Curacao
authorities did not confirm any deaths.
Firefighters sought to extinguish the blaze, witnesses
said. It was unclear if the accident caused a spill, they
added.
A self-governing part of the Netherlands, Curacao is a
major tourist destination due to its white-sand beaches,
crystalline waters and popular casinos.
The island, just off the west coast of Venezuela, has a
320,000 barrel-per-day refinery, La Isla, operated by
Venezuelan state company, PDVSA. It generates heavy oil
shipping traffic.
PDVSA officials were not immediately available to confirm
the blaze.
(Additional reporting by Deisy Buitrago)
