Coal explosion

The United States Coast Guard has noted an incident on 27 November 2024, when a bulk carrier shipping a type of coal called "Bailey High Vol Coking Coal" experienced consecutive explosions in the two forward cargo holds. It said that, while still under investigation, the explosions were probably the result of an accumulation of methane gas. This created an explosive atmosphere and resulted in significant damage to the two holds. It was soon discovered that the other five cargo holds also had highly elevated levels of methane - approaching the lower explosive limit and presenting an immediate threat to the safety of the mariners and the ship.