Horror after ‘giant explosion’ on tanker in Kuwait as oil gushes into water
The explosion comes at the end of the fifth day of the conflict draw to a close after Israel and the US hit Iran in joint strikes on several key sites on Saturday, February 28
UKMTO said a large explosion was witnessed off the coast of Mubarak Al-Kabeer in Kuwait(Image: UKMTO)
An explosion has been reported on an oil tanker near the coast of Kuwait, with concerns that oil is pouring into Gulf waters.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it has received a report an explosion off the coast of Kuwait on Wednesday, March 4. It is feared that oil gushing into the Gulf waters will have potentially disastrous environmental impacts.
UKMTO said the Master of an anchored tanker reported witnessing and hearing a large explosion then seeing a small craft leave the vicinity in south-east Mubarak Al-Kabeer in Kuwait late on Wednesday, March 4.
The report comes as the fifth day of the conflict draw to a close, but no near end is in sight after Israel and the US hit Iran in joint strikes on several key sites on Saturday, February 28. Iran has retaliated by striking sites across the Middle East, causing widespread panic.
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“There is oil in the water coming from a cargo tank which could have some environmental impact,” UKMTO said in a warning.
“The vessel has taken on water, there are no fires reported and the crew are safe and well.”
Authorities are investigating the incident.
UKMTO said vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to the maritime operation.
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