Tanker Sonangol Namibe Damaged by Explosion Near Kuwait

The Bahamas-flagged suezmax tanker Sonangol Namibe was damaged by an explosion while at anchor in the northern Gulf, according to UKMTO and Reuters sources.

UKMTO said the tanker was located about 30 nautical miles southeast of Mubarak Al Kabeer, Kuwait, when the vessel’s master reported a large blast on the port side and later observed a small craft leaving the area.

The ship is reported to have taken on water, and there is oil in the water from a cargo tank, raising the risk of environmental impact. No fire has been reported, and the crew are confirmed safe.

A Reuters report cited the vessel’s U.S. representative company saying the tanker’s hull was likely breached during the incident. Authorities are investigating, and UKMTO advised vessels to transit with caution and report suspicious activity.

The 2007-built tanker is 273 meters long, with a deadweight of 158,425 tonnes. She was previously loaded in Iraq according to ShipAtlas.