A serious incident aboard the Maersk Sana has left the vessel stranded in the Atlantic Ocean following a reported explosion in its engine room. The containership was en route from Newark, New Jersey, to Singapore when the emergency unfolded on April 28, 2025. The ship is reportedly drifting approximately 350 nautical miles east of Bermuda without propulsion.
Three crew members sustained injuries during the incident, with two requiring evacuation to a hospital in Bermuda. One remains in critical but stable condition, while the third injured seafarer received treatment onboard. The explosion rendered the vessel’s main engine inoperable, leaving the ship without power. A sister ship, the Maersk Nomazwe, diverted from its own route to provide emergency assistance and transfer the injured crew.
Potential Causes: Engine Room Hazards
While the specific cause of the explosion is still under investigation, engine room fires and mechanical failures are well-documented risks in maritime operations. Incidents like this often stem from a combination of factors, including:
- Fuel leaks or vapor buildup: These can ignite if exposed to a heat source or electrical spark, leading to explosions.
- Poor maintenance or oversight: Worn components, faulty valves, or aging electrical systems can trigger catastrophic malfunctions.
- Improper restart attempts: Following initial failures, crews may attempt to restart machinery, unintentionally worsening the hazard if residual flammable gases are present.
- Thermal runaway in batteries or auxiliary systems: As ships become more reliant on electronics, overheating components can also pose fire and explosion risks.
Legal and Safety Implications
The incident raises significant questions about operational safety, maintenance standards, and crew readiness in high-stress emergencies. Maritime authorities will likely scrutinize maintenance records, crew procedures, and potential systemic issues.
Shipping companies, including major carriers like Maersk, are responsible for ensuring their vessels meet international safety regulations and are properly maintained. Injured seafarers may have grounds to pursue legal action if the explosion was linked to negligence or preventable safety lapses.
Contact Our Maritime Injury Lawyers
If you or someone you know has been injured while working aboard a commercial vessel — whether due to a fire, explosion, equipment failure, or other unsafe conditions — you may be entitled to compensation. Cases involving maritime injuries often require navigating complex international and admiralty law, especially when multiple parties and jurisdictions are involved.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has extensive experience handling maritime accident claims and can help determine liability and protect your rights. For a free consultation, call our maritime attorneys at 713-804-9306. We only collect fees if we secure compensation on your behalf.