Explosion onboard: AUK ARROW – update to Press Release

London / Bergen, 3 August 2010

Owners and Managers of the “AUK ARROW” a general cargo vessel of 27,962 gross tons, report that the vessel had an explosion onboard whilst the vessel was along side at the Enavi Shipyard in Rio de Janeiro Monday 2 Aug at 2215 LT.

Regretfully the third person who was earlier reported as seriously injured, passed away at the hospital in Rio early this morning, bringing the total number of casualties to three and two persons injured. All five persons are yard workers.

The AUK ARROW arrived at the Enavi Shipyard 25 Jul to undergo repairs in the water ballast tanks.

The damages to the vessel are assessed to be limited, but a full overview will only be obtained when the vessel staff will be allowed by the Authorities to enter the water ballast tank which is anticipated to take place tomorrow.

The local Police have attended and all the appropriate Authorities have been notified of the incident including The Bahamas as Flag State.

Investigations have started by the Federal Police and by the Captain of the Port. The investigation will be supported by the vessel’s manager as necessary and technical staff from the Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Skipsrederi A/S in Bergen, Norway will travel to Rio.

At this moment, the thoughts at Gearbulk and Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Skipsrederi A/S are with the injured yard workers and the families who have lost a family member and for those that have lost a good colleague.

The AUK ARROW is owned by Gearbulk Shipowning Ltd and managed by Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Skipsrederi A/S. The crew of the vessel comprised 31 seafarers; all of Indian nationality.

Gearbulk