Boiler Blast on New Zealand Bulk Carrier Leaves Three Injured

In New Zealand, maritime authorities are investigating a serious incident involving the bulk carrier Olivia, where three crew members sustained notable injuries due to an explosion in the engine room.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has launched an inquiry into this explosion that took place on May 24 while the ship was docked at South Port in Bluff.

This 180-meter vessel had set sail from Bintulu, Malaysia, on March 25 and reached Bluff on april 22. At South Port, it was stationed at berth 11 for loading logs and was scheduled to leave by May 29.

according to TAIC’s statement, “While working on a boiler in the engine room of the M.V. Olivia, three crew members experienced an explosion or flashback that resulted in their injuries.”

The agency is classifying this event as a ‘serious marine casualty’ under international guidelines and has already begun its investigation process.

Although specific details about this incident remain sparse from TAIC, local media reported that St John ambulance responded promptly. Their team treated all three injured crew members; one was listed as moderately hurt while two others were reported to be in serious condition.

The bulk carrier was constructed in China back in 2013 and sails under Malta’s flag.

Sitting at New Zealand’s southernmost commercial port,South Port handles over 3.2 million tonnes of cargo each year. In just six months leading up to December 31, 2024, it welcomed large vessels for a total of 131 calls.