MT Sitakund

On 20 October 1968, the Norwegian motor tanker Sitakund was sailing from Wilhemshaven to Libya when three explosions were heard, one tearing a large hole in the side of the vessel. The Sitakund burst into flames.

Three crew members died in the explosion and subsequent fire, with the remaining 31 crew treated in hospital because for burns.

The Sitakund had ran aground, requiring that the tug Meeching come on site for rescue operations. She was beached on 21 October less than 2 km from Beachy Head.

The Eastbourne Fire Brigade, the crew of the Meeching and that of another tug from Dover fought the fire, however there was another explosion during the night, prompting the decision to leave the vessel to burn herself out.

The insurers of the ship declared her a constructive total loss. She was later sent to Spain for scrapping.

Sources:

• HOOKE, Norman, 1997, Maritime Casualties 1963-1996, second edition, LLP Limited, Londres
• IFP, Banques de données sur les accidents de navire ayant provoqué un déversement de pétrole en mer supérieur à 500 tonnes, 1955-1969, Réf. 26 693, Janvier 1979