Blast hits tanker in Persian Gulf, causing oil spill off Kuwait

An explosion struck a tanker anchored in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Kuwait on March 5, causing an oil leak, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The incident occurred about 30 nautical miles (approximately 56 kilometres) southeast of the city of Mubarak Al-Kabeer. The vessel was stationary at anchor at the time of the blast.

UKMTO said the tanker’s captain reported hearing and seeing a powerful explosion on the ship’s port side. Shortly afterward, a small vessel was observed leaving the area of the incident.

The explosion damaged one of the tanker’s cargo tanks, leading to a spill of crude oil into the sea. The vessel also began taking on water following the blast.

No injuries were reported among the crew, and authorities said no fire broke out on board.

Kuwait’s Interior Ministry stated that the explosion occurred outside the country’s territorial waters, roughly 60 kilometers from the port.

Officials warned that the oil leak could have environmental consequences. The incident comes at a time of heightened regional tensions amid the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

By Tamilla Hasanova