A fire accompanied by an explosion broke out aboard an oil tanker at Kigoma Port on Friday night, prompting an emergency response as authorities moved to establish the safety of the vessel’s crew and assess possible environmental risks.
The Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) said the incident involved MV Pacific, an oil tanker flying the flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The incident occurred on August 28, 2026, at night, shortly after the vessel had completed loading fuel at Kigoma Port and was preparing to depart, according to information confirmed through its agent, Falcony Marines Transportation Limited (FALCONY).
The explosion was heard in several areas around the port, raising concern among residents in the surrounding areas.
However, by 9:50pm, no deaths or injuries had been reported, TASAC said, although the condition of the crew members aboard the vessel had not yet been fully confirmed.
“There were no reports of damage to the infrastructure at Kigoma Port, and the port facilities remain safe,” TASAC said in its statement.
Fire and Rescue Force personnel were deployed to contain the blaze and prevent the situation from escalating.
By 9:50pm, the intensity of the fire had reduced significantly as firefighters continued with efforts to bring it under control.
MV Pacific measures 42.6 metres in length, has a gross tonnage of 416.168 and can carry approximately 400 tonnes of cargo.
TASAC said it was working with other relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the cause of the fire and explosion, the condition of the crew and the extent of damage to the vessel.
Authorities are also assessing whether the incident resulted in any fuel leakage or other environmental impacts.
The development comes as authorities maintain heightened attention on safety at ports and aboard vessels transporting petroleum products, which can pose significant risks in the event of fire or explosion.
TASAC urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid approaching the incident area, warning that doing so could expose them to unnecessary risks.
The corporation also cautioned against sharing unverified information, saying further updates would be issued as soon as official and confirmed information became available.