A firefighter ship sprays water 16 November, 2004, over the smoldering Chilean tanker Vicula, which exploded yesterday in the port of Paranagua, 250 Km from Curitiba, southern Brazil. Six sailors were missing following an explosion onboard a fuel tanker, port superintendant Eduardo Requier said late Monday. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

     RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- Chilean tanker Vicula was about to sink Tuesday after one of its two tanks exploded Monday night off the port of Paranagua Bay in Brazil.

    Authorities said that the vessel accidentally crashed into the dock while loading a cargo of ethanol, and sparks triggered by crashing ignited the highly flammable fuel.

    The fire caused explosion of one tank, and subsequently the ship was ruptured into two parts, one of which sank later.

    Four crew members (two Chileans and two Britons) on board were missing and 24 others safe, reports said.

    One charred body was found when environmental personnel and local firemen rushed to the scene to prevent the spread of the fuel by surrounding the ship with buoys.

    At the moment of the explosion, the vessel contained five million liters ethanol. It is estimated that at least 1 million liters spilled in the Paranagua Bay.

    The firm Cataline, operating the fuel terminal, was responsible for the accident, said Eduardo Requiao, superintendent of the port.

    The harbor resumed operation Tuesday morning. Enditem