Oil tanker on fire in Providence harbor

Local TV news

[Semper911]

An oil tanker moored in Providence harbor was apparently struck by lightning, and is burning in towering flames. I posted this in breaking because there is an LPG tanker moored nearby, and officials are worried the mooring lines on the burning tanker will burn through, and it will drift toward the LPG.

[LoneRangerMassachusetts]

But I still wonder how the whole ship could go up in this way. Either something extremely unusual went wrong, or this story is missing a few details.

Where does oil come from? A lot from Muslim Mideast. Who are we at war with? Muslim Mideast. Who has opportunity to rig oil tankers with detonation? Mideast Muslims. I am very suspicious of petroleum explosions in America no matter what Homeland Insecurity announces.

[Semper911]

I don't get it.

I hear you. The fire dude said one of the compartments had gasoline in it, so that at least explains the towering flames. The lightning had to have somehow caused a breach during the unloading process, and I agree with you that something unusual had to have happened.

[Toby06]

But you know what I mean.

Given the choice of using AFF or not in the rain for a fuel fire, I'd use it.

[Darkwolf377]

Did anyone see a bright light ascend toward the tanker just before the explosion?

No, but I was swimming in the harbor when this boat almost ran me over. I didn't get a look at the number but I distinctly heard the driver say, "Who cares, I can drive right up to that tanker if I want, I'm a Kennedy."

[Semper911]

skeleton crew

There is always a crew on a ship. They don't just lock up and head for a hotel or whatever. And unloading is a major process, so I expect there were plenty of crewmembers around.

[LenS]

Actually, the US doesn't get that much of it's oil from the Middle East (that mostly goes to Europe and Asia). We get much of our oil from Venezuela, Mexico and Nigeria, especially in the eastern half of the US. While Nigeria has it's Muslim/Christian/Pagan conflicts, that's mostly an internal struggle (for now). Theft and corruption is probably a bigger problem for keeping Nigerian oil flowing.

[NonValueAdded]

No, Liquefied Natural Gas, and Providence will head to Providence if it blows.

[STARWISE]

No small fire .. God help anyone who was on that vessel. See video HERE

[Fiddlstix]

It's an LNG tanker. Nitrogen. Super cooled. Could be very dangerous.

LNG = Liquefied natural gas

[STARWISE]

Thankfully, the mayor is saying no injuries, fire pretty much under control. Another video HERE.

[Semper911]

Great video. Here is a still:

[NonValueAdded]

at least three or four studies have looked at worst-case scenarios, but said he did not think the agency needed to consider what would happen if a ship were hit by a plane.

"Why not?" Tierney asked.

"Because it's not realistic," said Capt. Mary Landry, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard's Marine Safety Office.

Please tell me that article was written on or before Sept. 10, 2001. Otherwise, Mary needs a transfer to a nice, safe lighthouse or something.

[grey_whiskers]

Keeping in mind how much greenhouse gases are contributing to global warming, let me be the FIRST to say:

"Bush's Fault"^TM

Cheers!

[Darkwolf377]

They figure if it is the target of a successful terrorist attack they would lose all of downtown Boston and most of the area within a 2 miles radius. It is a serious safety concern.

Wow, I'm within that zone...less than 1/2 a mile.

I'm outta here on weekends from now on... :(

[AlextheWise1]

so who the hell unloads gasoline in a severe thunderstorm....

[LoneRangerMassachusetts]

Actually, the US doesn't get that much of it's oil from the Middle East (that mostly goes to Europe and Asia). We get much of our oil from Venezuela, Mexico and Nigeria, especially in the eastern half of the US.

The way I see the charts, more than a quarter of our imported oil supply comes from Muslim controled contries in the Mideast and Africa. That's a lot of oil, means, and opportunity.

http://www.afa.org/magazine/June2002/0602chart.pdf

[Semper911]

Fire just smoldering now, firefighters are starting to get near enough to cool the area, no injuries reported, 80-90 FF and USCG on scene.

Situation seems to be heading toward code 4.

[Darkwolf377]

so who the hell unloads gasoline in a severe thunderstorm....

Mel Gibson in Tequila Sunrise?

[Semper911]

One funny thing was a local reporter saying that we should all check the price of gas in the morning. LOL, as if this would make a difference.

[Cobra64]

LNG tankers DO NOT carry nitrogen.

OKAY! Mr. Dean!