At approximately 4.40pm on 18 November 2001, a large explosion ripped through the No.1 port topside ballast tank of the Hong Kong-registered bulk carrier MV Nego Kim. The vessel was anchored approximately 15 nautical miles north of Dampier and was undergoing interior painting when an explosion caused the tank to rupture, instantly killing three men.

Four other men were also blown over the ship’s side; a search and rescue operation discovered only one body. One man, who had been inside the tank, survived but was severely burned. He died 18 days later in hospital as a result of his injuries.

The cause of the explosion was found to be the ignition of accumulated flammable mixture of air and paint fumes in the inadequately ventilated tank.