A Bahamas-flagged Suezmax tanker was attacked off Kuwait's coast, raising concerns amid escalating tensions in the region.
A Bahamas-flagged Suezmax operated by Stena Bulk was attacked in the Middle East Gulf, 30 nautical miles southeast of Kuwait, reported London's Lloyd's List.
The 158,425-dwt Sonangol Namibe, owned by Angola's Sonangol and part of the Stena Sonangol Suezmax Pool, was in ballast when it was struck on March 4. The master reported an explosion on the port side and observed a small craft leaving the area.
UKMTO stated that an oil spill was reported, although this has not been confirmed. Sonangol Marine Services informed Reuters that a ballast tank was losing water, indicating a possible hull breach; however, the vessel remained stable and afloat.
This incident followed a missile strike on the containership Safeen Prestige in the Strait of Hormuz on the same day. Iranian media linked to the Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility, stating that the IRGC Navy attacked an 'American tanker' and warned that US, Israeli, or European vessels in the strait 'will certainly be struck.'
