A tanker anchored in waters off Kuwait reported a large explosion and an oil spill late Wednesday, according to the British maritime security agency. The incident occurred as tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran continue to intensify across the region.
The blast was reported around 22:40 UTC on March 4 (4:10 AM IST on March 5) near Kuwait’s Mubarak Al-Kabeer area. Maritime authorities confirmed that all crew members are safe, and no fire was reported after the explosion.
Small Aircraft Seen Leaving Area
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the tanker’s master witnessed a large explosion on the port side of the vessel. Shortly after the blast, a small aircraft was seen departing the vicinity, raising concerns about the nature of the incident.
Authorities also reported that oil leaked from one of the cargo tanks, creating visible oil patches in the surrounding waters. Officials warned that the spill could have environmental consequences, though the full extent of the damage remains unclear.
Kuwait Confirms Incident Outside Territorial Waters
Kuwait’s Interior Ministry later confirmed that the explosion occurred outside the country’s territorial waters, approximately 60 kilometers from Mubarak Al-Kabeer port. Officials said investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the blast.
Maritime security agencies have advised vessels navigating the Gulf region to exercise heightened caution and report any suspicious activity.
US Submarine Sinks Iranian Warship Near Sri Lanka
The tanker explosion comes just a day after a major naval incident in the Indian Ocean. A United States submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian frigate near Sri Lankan waters, according to US defense officials.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike, stating that the Iranian warship had been operating in international waters before it was hit by a torpedo.
Sri Lankan authorities reported that 180 people were believed to be on board the vessel, identified as IRIS Dena, when it sank. Rescue teams recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 survivors during search operations.
Sri Lanka’s navy said it received a distress signal before reaching the area, where rescuers found oil patches, life rafts, and survivors floating in the water.
Rising Tensions in Strategic Waters
The back-to-back maritime incidents highlight growing tensions in strategic shipping routes across the Gulf and the Indian Ocean. Security agencies are closely monitoring the situation as investigations continue into the tanker explosion and its possible connection to the ongoing geopolitical conflict.
