UK sailors injured in Oman boat blast

An explosion on-board an Omani warship undergoing sea trials off the coast of England injured three British sailors, it was reported. The 99m long Al Shamikh vessel was undergoing a pre-delivery testing operation off the coast of Dorset in the UK when the blast occurred, according to local newspaper the Dorchester People. The ship, which was due to be handed over to the Sultanate of Oman Navy later this year, was carrying a crew of Omani sailors and employees of British military contractor BAE Systems. According to reports, three of the sailors were injured during the blast and taken to Dorset County Hospital, and the ship was covered with a tarpaulin following the incident. The circumstances of the explosion remain unclear, but BAE Systems confirmed that the incident occurred during test firings. Upon its arrival in Oman, the ship is expected to take part in patrols off the coast of the country, help defend Omani waters and aid peacekeeping and anti-piracy operations. This is the second time the Al Shamikh has had difficulties during its test stage. BAE said it also experienced engineering issues during sea trials last year.