Six Die after Shipyard Blast in Cartagena

Youtube-Screenshot/Cartagena Kings Six people died and at least twenty-three persons sustained injuries following a huge explosion at Cotecmar shipyard in Cartagena, Colombia that occurred on Wednesday, May 17, local media informed. A total of three explosions were reported in the industrial zone of Mamonal, located some 15 kilometres from the city, hitting Cotecmar and US shipyard Astivik. The blast at the yard reportedly occurred while workers were painting a tanker vessel. The shipyard, specializing in construction of naval platforms, and the repair and maintenance of vessels, expressed its condolences to the victims families on its twitter account. Queremos agradecer a todas las personas que se han solidarizado con la familia Cotecmar. Elevamos una oración por nuestros compañeros. — COTECMAR (@COTECMAR) May 18, 2017 The countrys police and naval authorities conducted an initial inspection of the site, once the fires were put under control, ruling out the possibility that an explosive device had caused the explosions. Further activities on determining the cause of the blasts are underway. World Maritime News is yet to receive a reply from the shipbuilder regarding the accident. World Maritime News Staff