Kollam, Kerala: A blast was reported aboard a cargo vessel anchored at Kollam port in Kerala on Wednesday afternoon, leaving a ship engineer with burn injuries.

The explosion occurred at around 1pm in the vessel’s generator room while welding work was being carried out as part of repair work. The ship, identified as IOL Sapphire, had been anchored at Kollam after developing technical problems during its journey.

The injured engineer has been identified as Satyaprakash, 40, a native of Uttar Pradesh. He suffered burns to his face and chest in the explosion.

Coastal police reached the vessel after the incident and the injured man was taken to a private medical college in Kollam for treatment.

The blast took place while workers were carrying out repairs on the ship’s faulty generator. Preliminary information indicates that the explosion happened during welding work.

IOL Sapphire was carrying rice

The IOL Sapphire was travelling from Andhra Pradesh to Africa with a cargo of rice when it developed an engine-related technical problem.

The vessel reached Kollam port and was anchored there on July 23 for repairs. The explosion occurred during the maintenance work being conducted on the ship.

Further details on the circumstances surrounding the blast are awaited.