Explosion hits oil tanker near Kuwait; triggers oil spill in Gulf waters

KUWAIT CITY: A large explosion struck an oil tanker anchored off the coast of Kuwait, causing a spill of crude into the surrounding waters, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors maritime security in the region.

The incident occurred in the Persian Gulf roughly 30 nautical miles southeast of Kuwait’s Mubarak Al-Kabeer port. The captain of the vessel reported hearing and seeing a powerful blast on the port side of the tanker before spotting a small boat leaving the area shortly afterward. Following the explosion, oil was observed leaking from one of the ship’s cargo tanks into the sea, raising concerns about possible environmental damage.

UKMTO said the vessel also took on water after the blast, although no fire broke out and all crew members on board were reported safe. Kuwaiti authorities later clarified that the incident occurred outside the country’s territorial waters, more than 60 kilometres from the port of Mubarak Al-Kabeer.

The explosion comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where shipping traffic has already been disrupted by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed it now has “complete control” over the Strait of Hormuz – one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints for oil and gas shipments – leading to a sharp slowdown in tanker movements through the area.

The deteriorating security situation has begun to affect commercial shipping. Chinese shipping giant Cosco recently announced it would suspend tanker services to several Gulf countries, including Kuwait, as companies reassess the risks of operating in the region.

The tanker explosion is one of several recent incidents involving commercial vessels in Middle Eastern waters. Security analysts warn that continued attacks or sabotage could further disrupt global energy markets, since roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

MARITIME INCIDENT NEAR SRI LANKA STILL IN PLAY

In another development highlighting growing maritime risks, an Iranian naval vessel sank near Sri Lanka’s southern coastline earlier this week. The ship, identified as the IRIS Dena, reportedly went down after Sri Lankan authorities received a distress signal from the vessel.

The Sri Lanka Navy launched a large rescue operation soon after the alert. Officials said around 180 personnel were believed to be aboard the ship when it sank. So far, about 30 injured sailors have been rescued and taken to hospitals, while dozens remain missing as search operations continue.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the sinking, and investigations are expected to begin once rescue efforts are completed. The incident has also sparked political speculation in Sri Lanka, with an opposition figure questioning whether the vessel could have been targeted by external forces such as the United States or Israel. However, the Sri Lankan government says there is currently no evidence to support such claims.

Maritime officials say both incidents underscore the increasing volatility in key international shipping lanes, where military tensions and security threats are beginning to affect global trade and energy transport.