An explosion occurred aboard the LNG-powered container barge Yihang Mingyuan at Yangluo Port in Wuhan, China, leaving one crew member missing and triggering a major emergency response.
According to local authorities, the explosion happened early in the morning near the stern of the vessel. The blast caused a fire and threw several containers, along with parts of the LNG fuel system, into the Yangtze River. Firefighters and emergency crews quickly arrived at the scene and brought the fire under control.
The Yihang Mingyuan is an LNG-powered feeder vessel operating on the Yangtze River. At the time of the incident, the vessel was preparing for or carrying out cargo operations. The exact cause of the explosion has not yet been determined.
Authorities confirmed that one seafarer remains missing, while the remaining crew members were safely evacuated. Search and rescue teams continue to search the surrounding area as investigators examine the damaged vessel.
A full investigation has been launched to determine what caused the explosion. Specialists are assessing whether the incident was related to the vessel’s LNG fuel system, cargo operations or another technical failure.
The accident has once again highlighted the importance of strict safety standards on LNG-powered vessels as the maritime industry continues expanding the use of alternative marine fuels.
