Capital tanker trio killed

The 37,600-dwt Arionas (built 2006).

Three crew members of a Greek tanker have died from suspected food poisoning.

The master of the 37,600-dwt Arionas (built 2006), operated by Evangelos Marinakis-led Capital Product Partners, was reported to have informed French authorities of the deaths on Thursday evening.

However, a subsequent statement from the Marshall Island-flagged ship's manager, Capital Ship Management, said one of the crew died on Tuesday with the other two dying on Wednesday.

"The ship and the remainder of the crew are safe and are in no danger," the statement read.

The products tanker was en route from Libya to Rotterdam with nearly 28,000 tons of brega condensate when the deaths occurred.

A spokesperson for the ship's Piraeus-based manager confirmed the deaths but would not disclose the names, nationalities or positions of the deceased crew. Numerous media reports claim the crew is comprised of Russians and Filipinos.

Families of the deceased have all been informed, the Capital spokesperson added.

The Capital source would also not speculate on the cause of the deaths saying only that the company and the ship’s crew are cooperating fully with an investigation by French authorities. French and international media reports have indicated food poisoning has been suspected.

A doctor and gendarmerie have been dispatched to the ship which diverted to the French port of La Havre once the deaths became known.

The Arionas, which has P&I cover with Skuld, is nominally owned by Carnation Shipping, registered in the Marshall Islands. It is listed in the fleet of Nasdaq-quoted Capital Product Partners as on long-term charter to BP until June at $19,750 per day.

Printable version Newsletter sign up