UKMTO reports large explosion on tanker at anchor off Kuwait, oil seen in water

Where did the incident occur?

UKMTO said the explosion was reported about 30 nautical miles southeast of Kuwait’s Mubarak Al Kabeer port in the Gulf; Kuwait’s interior ministry later said it occurred outside Kuwait’s territorial waters. Reuters,CNA

What is known about damage and safety on board?

UKMTO reported oil in the water from a cargo tank and said the vessel had taken on water, but there were no fires reported and the crew were safe. Reuters,CNA

Was a cause or perpetrator identified in the initial reports?

The UKMTO advisory described what the tanker’s master reported seeing and noted a small craft leaving the vicinity, but it did not identify a cause or attribute responsibility. Reuters,CNA