Tanker explodes and catches fire after running aground near Hvaler

A 120-metre tanker ran aground off Storesand near Skjærhalden on Tuesday afternoon, triggering an explosion and fire on board, Dagbladet reports.

All 15 crew members have been accounted for and no injuries have been reported, according to operations manager Ronny Hellerud Samuelsen in a police log entry.

The rescue operation is being coordinated by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, which received the first report at 15:33. The centre is assisting the vessel with requested resources, with additional support en route if needed, said Asbjørn Viste, duty rescue leader at the centre.

Viste confirmed the explosion occurred in the bow but could not specify the extent of the fire or blast. The captain remains in command, and the crew has not requested evacuation.

Emergency services, including rescue helicopters, police boats, and fire and health personnel, have been deployed. Fredrikstad fire brigade has dispatched available crews and is awaiting reinforcements from Oslo, according to fire constable Arne Eikland.

A witness at Storesand campsite, Tuva Preutz Jensen, reported hearing a loud bang, followed by smoke from the vessel, which was unusually close to shore and stationary.