Three oil tankers have sustained blast damage in the Mediterranean over the past month, shipping and security sources revealed to Reuters. These incidents mark a rare occurrence, as non-military vessels have not suffered such attacks in the region for decades.
According to reports, a total of four explosions have been recorded, impacting vessels off the coasts of Italy, Turkey, and Libya. The causes of the blasts remain unknown, heightening concerns over maritime security in the region.
The first incident occurred on Saturday when the Greek-operated crude oil tanker Seajewel was struck by two explosive devices while anchored at the Savona-Vado port in northern Italy. The explosions, occurring 20 minutes apart, resulted in a one-meter inward breach below the waterline of the vessel, according to the Savona prosecutor’s office.
A second explosion was reported in late January, damaging the crude oil tanker Seacharm off the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. Details surrounding the blast remain scarce.
The third and most severe incident involved the Liberia-flagged chemical and products tanker Grace Ferrum, which was damaged off Libya’s coast. One source indicated that the extent of the damage necessitates a salvage operation.
Notably, all three affected vessels had recently made port calls in Russia, raising speculation about potential geopolitical implications. While no party has claimed responsibility for the blasts, authorities and industry experts are investigating the incidents to determine their origins.
Adding to the mystery, in late December 2024, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported that a Russian cargo ship, Ursa Major, sank in the Mediterranean following an explosion in its engine room. The series of unexplained maritime incidents underscores growing risks to commercial shipping in the region.
