Greek-Owned Tanker Damaged By External Explosion Near Strait Of Hormuz

A Greek-owned crude tanker sailing near the Strait of Hormuz reported an external explosion off Oman on Tuesday.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the incident happened about 60 nautical miles east of Muscat.

The master of the tanker reported an explosion on the vessel’s port side aft, close to the waterline.

UKMTO said the vessel, identified as the Olympic Life, and its crew were safe. However, some bunker fuel was discharged into the sea after the incident.

According to MarineTraffic vessel-tracking data, the Greek-owned Very Large Crude Carrier was sailing out of the Gulf of Oman past Muscat at around 0700 GMT. The vessel was not carrying cargo at the time.

The tanker’s technical manager, Springfield Shipping, said the vessel was struck by an unidentified object at about 0920 GMT but remained stable and operational.

The company said an initial assessment found damage to one of the vessel’s bunker tanks, and a fuel sheen was seen in the water after the incident. It added that the spill had since been contained.

The vessel is owned by Athens-based Olympic Shipping & Management, the successor to Olympic Management founded by late shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.

Authorities have not identified the cause of the explosion, and investigations are continuing.

Earlier, US forces carried out strikes on missile facilities in Iran and boats allegedly involved in laying mines in Gulf waters, according to statements from US Central Command.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a key route for global oil and gas shipments, with a large share of the world’s energy trade passing through the waterway.

References: UKMTO, Reuters