Explosion Rocks Oil Tanker, Sparking Terror Suspicions
Genoa, Italy – Italian authorities have launched an investigation into possible terrorism after a series of explosions rocked an oil tanker off the coast of Italy.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has raised concerns about potential sabotage targeting oil infrastructure in the Mediterranean Sea.
Explosion Details
According to Nicola Piacente, the General Prosecutor of Genoa, two explosions caused a 70 x 120 cm gash in the hull of the "Seajewel" tanker below the waterline. The ship was anchored off the port of Savona-Vado at the time of the incident.
The explosions did not pose any immediate environmental hazards, according to the ship’s operator. However, the ship’s data recorder has been seized for further investigation.
Pattern of Attacks
The "Seajewel" incident is not isolated. In recent weeks, three other oil tankers have been damaged by explosions in separate incidents in the Mediterranean.
Experts and ship-tracking data indicate that all three vessels recently visited Russian ports. Industry sources have expressed increasing alarm over the string of attacks.
Affected Tankers
The "Seajewel" is operated by the Greek shipping company Thenamaris. The company stated that the crude oil tanker suspended operations on Saturday.
Another Thenamaris tanker, the "Seacharm," also experienced an incident that is now under investigation by Greek authorities. According to an insider, the "Seacharm" sustained damage from an explosion while anchored off the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan in late January. Thenamaris reported that the "Seacharm" is now operational.
A third incident occurred off the coast of Libya in February, reportedly involving a Liberian-flagged chemical and oil tanker. The "Grace Ferrum" is currently anchored off the Libyan coast, according to ship-tracking data.
Historic Precedent
In December, a Russian cargo ship exploded for the first time in decades in the Mediterranean. The "Ursa Major" sank off the coast of Spain after an explosion destroyed its engine room.
The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that two crew members were missing. The ship’s operator, which has ties to the Russian Defense Ministry, claimed it was a terrorist attack. Both the ship and its operator were subject to U.S. sanctions.
Ongoing Investigation
The Italian authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the "Seajewel" incident. The focus of the probe is to determine the cause of the explosions and whether they were intentional.
The wider pattern of attacks on oil tankers in the Mediterranean is also under scrutiny. The possibility of state-sponsored sabotage or other malicious intent is being considered.
The maritime industry is on high alert, and security measures are being enhanced to prevent further incidents. The implications of the ongoing attacks on global oil supply and regional stability remain a major concern.
