UKMTO received a report of an explosion on an anchored tanker off Kuwait on Wednesday, March 4, with oil now in the water from a cargo tank raising environmental concerns
A ‘large explosion’ has been reported on an oil tanker near Kuwait’s coast, sparking fears of a significant oil spill into the Gulf waters with potentially disatrous environmental consequences.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed receiving a report of an explosion off the coast of Kuwait on Wednesday, March 4, reports the Mirror..
According to UKMTO, the Master of an anchored tanker reported witnessing and hearing a large explosion, followed by the sight of a small craft departing the area in south-east Mubarak Al-Kabeer in Kuwait late on Wednesday, March 4, amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
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Israel and the US launched joint strikes on several key sites in Iran on Saturday, February 28. The strikes resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader at the time, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, over the weekend.
In retaliation, Iran has targeted sites across the Middle East.
“There is oil in the water coming from a cargo tank which could have some environmental impact,” warned UKMTO.
“The vessel has taken on water, there are no fires reported and the crew are safe and well.”
Authorities are currently investigating the incident.
UKMTO advises vessels to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity.