Preliminary investigation findings point to external source of damage to Vilamoura tanker off Libya, TMS Tankers reports.
The likely cause of the explosion that pierced the side of the Vilamoura tanker and flooded its engine room last week was an unidentified explosive device, according to a statement from Greek operator TMS Tankers.
The incident occurred on June 27 during the voyage of the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel from Libya’s Es Sider (Suetina) to Gibraltar with a cargo of oil (about 1 million barrels). After the accident and loss of control, the tanker was towed. Vilamoura is currently safe in Greece’s Laconic Gulf, with the crew in good condition.
According to Reuters, this could be the fifth such incident involving merchant ships in the area in recent times. FT observations indicate that all of the damaged vessels called at Russian ports where Kazakh oil, not subject to sanctions, is loaded. Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry has denied the presence of its oil on the attacked tanker.
As reported by the Financial Times, the damage affected the hull of the Vilamoura. EOS Risk Group analysts do not rule out the involvement of Libyan groups or state actors capable and possibly motivated to carry out such actions in the explosion
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