Italian authorities in the port of Savona are on high alert after discovering two underwater holes in the hull of a Greek-owned Aframax tanker, Seajewel (IMO: 9388807). The vessel’s operator, Thenamaris, and local investigators are trying to determine whether the incident was caused by sabotage, terrorism, or simply a mechanical failure or prior collision. Thus far, no definitive evidence points to any specific perpetrator or cause, but the nature of the damage, along with other recent tanker incidents, has heightened concerns about security risks tied to the Russian oil trade routes.
A Mystery in Savona
Seajewel, built in 2009 and flying the Maltese flag, arrived at the port of Savona on February 14 after loading crude oil in Algeria. It proceeded to offload at a designated buoy. However, late on February 14 and into the early hours of the following day, crew members reportedly heard two loud bangs. Alarmed by the noises, they halted the offloading operation. Subsequent inspections revealed water ingress due to two damaged plates in the hull. Thankfully, the double-hull design prevented any oil spill or environmental harm.
The local Port Authority described “anomalies in the unloading procedure” and immediately suspended further operations. Elite divers from the Italian law enforcement and security agencies examined the underside of the vessel. Their preliminary findings showed a hole about one meter in length, with the steel plates bent inward—an indication of an external force. Adding to the intrigue, divers found dead fish near the damage site, suggesting a possible chemical or explosive reaction in the water.
Potential for Sabotage or Terrorism
Italy’s anti-terrorism unit, along with the Savona Prosecutor’s Office, has taken an active role in the investigation. They are looking into whether this incident might be part of a broader pattern involving tankers that have recently transported Russian oil. Although the exact cause remains unknown, the possibility of explosive devices, such as limpet mines, has not been ruled out. So far, no statements have confirmed the presence of explosive residue on Seajewel’s hull, nor have investigators detailed how or when an explosive device could have been attached—if indeed that was the cause.
Thenamaris, the Greek-based company operating the tanker, is also participating in the investigation. They report that the 23 crew members are all safe and that there has been no environmental impact. The company remains tight-lipped about any potential evidence of sabotage, maintaining that it is cooperating fully with the authorities while the official probe continues.
Other Incidents Raise Suspicions
Seajewel’s predicament is not an isolated incident. Just days before, a Cyprus-owned tanker named Koala (IMO: 9234642) experienced an explosion while docked at Russia’s Ust-Luga port. Initially reported as an engine room accident, maritime security consultancy Ambrey Intelligence suggested the vessel might have been hit by multiple blasts, pointing to a scenario more consistent with sabotage.
Meanwhile, another vessel, Grace Ferrum (IMO: 9667928), reportedly suffered a similar fate off the coast of Libya. Both Koala and Grace Ferrum appear to have been engaged in trade involving Russian oil, leading some analysts to suspect a wave of targeted attacks on tankers connected to Russian crude exports. While some of these ships are associated with the so-called “dark fleet,” thenamaris is generally regarded as a reputable European operator with no ties to such clandestine activities.
No Direct Accusations Against Third Parties
Speculation has arisen in various media outlets about possible culprits, yet Italian officials have neither confirmed nor denied any specific leads. Notably, there have been no public or credible statements from Greek or Italian authorities blaming Turkey or any other nation. At this point, claims that might implicate external parties remain unsubstantiated. The port authorities have emphasized that they are focusing on the technical analysis of the hull damage, as well as intelligence-sharing with international agencies, rather than pointing fingers without evidence.
Increasing Security Measures
In the wake of these events, security around Seajewel has been tightened. Local media outlets continue to share images of divers inspecting the vessel’s underside, and law enforcement officials have set up restricted perimeters within the port. With heightened vigilance in Savona and other Mediterranean ports, questions swirl over whether more tankers operating in similar routes could be at risk.
For its part, Thenamaris has indicated that once all inspections are complete, Seajewel may be repaired and allowed to depart, assuming no further safety or security hazards are discovered. However, the company has not released a definitive timeline.
Global Implications
Maritime experts point out that recent events—particularly involving tankers with ties to Russian ports—could signify escalating risks for international oil shipping. Should investigations confirm an intentional attack, it would mark a serious security breach, potentially prompting tighter regulations and cooperative efforts among NATO, the European Union, and individual states to protect maritime commerce.
For now, the Seajewel case stands as a mystery that Italian authorities are intent on solving. Whether it is part of a larger pattern of politically or economically motivated sabotage, a criminal plot, or a freak mechanical mishap remains unclear. What is certain is that the outcome of the Savona investigation will be closely watched by the global shipping community. If sabotage or terrorism is confirmed in an EU port, the pressure to identify and address the perpetrators will be immense, carrying potentially far-reaching consequences for maritime security and international trade in the months to come.
