Latest news with #TMSTankers
Libya Observer
5 days ago
- Libya Observer
Operator of oil tanker 'Vilamoura' reveals cause of mysterious explosion off Libyan coast
Greek shipping company TMS Tankers has revealed that an explosive device was behind the blast that struck the oil tanker Vilamoura just hours after it departed from Libya's Zueitina port last week. The Vilamoura left the Libyan port of Zueitina on June 27, en route to the Strait of Gibraltar carrying 1 million barrels of crude oil, when it was hit by a mysterious explosion on board that caused large volumes of water to flood the engine room. Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported on Monday that TMS Tankers said preliminary investigation results clearly indicated the explosion—and the resulting cracks in the side shell plating and flooding of the engine room—were caused by an external source: an unidentified explosive device. The company noted that the tanker lost its ability to maneuver after the explosion and the flooding of the engine room, but was towed to Greece for damage assessment. The Vilamoura has since safely arrived at Greece's Laconikos Gulf. Maritime security sources told Reuters last week that a limpet mine may have been the cause of the explosion aboard the Vilamoura. Tags: Oil Tanker
Zawya
6 days ago
- Zawya
Explosive device likely damaged Greek tanker off Libya last week, operator says
ATHENS: An external explosive device most likely caused the blast that damaged Greek oil tanker Vilamoura as it was sailing off the Libyan coast last week, the vessel's Greece-based operator TMS Tankers said on Sunday, citing an initial investigation. The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Vilamoura had left the Libyan port of Zuetina on June 27 to head to Gibraltar with some 1 million barrels of oil when there was an explosion in the engine room. "Preliminary investigation findings clearly indicate that the explosion, the resulting fracture of the side shell plating, and the flooding of the engine room were caused by an external source —an unidentified explosive device," TMS Tankers said. Maritime security sources told Reuters last week that a limpet mine may have caused the blast on Vilamoura, the fifth such incident to hit commercial shipping in the region in recent months. Following the explosion and the flooding of its engine room the vessel lost manoeuvrability, although it was able to be towed towards Greece. The vessel has now arrived safely at Laconikos Bay in Greece and its crew are in good health, the operator added in a statement. (Reporting by Renee Maltezou Editing by Gareth Jones)
Libya Review
6 days ago
- Business
- Libya Review
Greek Oil Tanker Damaged by Suspected Explosive Device off Libyan Coasts
A Greek oil tanker was likely damaged by an external explosive device while sailing off Libya's coast last week, its operator confirmed on Sunday, raising new concerns about maritime security in the region. TMS Tankers, the Greece-based operator of the Vilamoura tanker, stated that a preliminary investigation indicates the blast was caused by an external source, most likely an explosive device. The incident occurred as the Marshall Islands-flagged Vilamoura was traveling from the Libyan port of Zuetina on June 27 with about one million barrels of crude oil bound for Gibraltar. 'The initial investigation clearly shows that the explosion, the resulting hull damage, and the flooding of the engine room were caused by an external source—an unidentified explosive device,' TMS Tankers said in its statement. According to maritime security sources cited by Reuters, the damage may have been caused by a limpet mine, a type of underwater explosive often used in sabotage attacks on vessels. If confirmed, this would be the fifth such maritime incident reported in the region in recent months, highlighting the growing risks facing commercial shipping near Libya. Following the explosion, the Vilamoura lost propulsion due to severe flooding but remained afloat. The vessel was later towed safely to Greek waters, arriving at Laconikos Bay. TMS Tankers confirmed that all crew members are safe and in good health. The incident puts renewed focus on maritime security off Libya, particularly near oil export terminals, which are vital for the country's fragile economy. While the perpetrators remain unidentified, the attack underscores the vulnerability of vessels passing through Libyan waters, where political instability, smuggling, and armed conflict have long posed serious risks. The explosion also raises fresh concerns for the global oil trade and the safety of vessels transporting crude from Libya, a major exporter in the Mediterranean region. Tags: ExplosionGreek TankerlibyaLibyan Coastsoil
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Straits Times
Explosive device likely damaged Greek tanker off Libya last week, operator says
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox ATHENS - An external explosive device most likely caused the blast that damaged Greek oil tanker Vilamoura as it was sailing off the Libyan coast last week, the vessel's Greece-based operator TMS Tankers said on Sunday, citing an initial investigation. The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Vilamoura had left the Libyan port of Zuetina on June 27 to head to Gibraltar with some 1 million barrels of oil when there was an explosion in the engine room. "Preliminary investigation findings clearly indicate that the explosion, the resulting fracture of the side shell plating, and the flooding of the engine room were caused by an external source —an unidentified explosive device," TMS Tankers said. Maritime security sources told Reuters last week that a limpet mine may have caused the blast on Vilamoura, the fifth such incident to hit commercial shipping in the region in recent months. Following the explosion and the flooding of its engine room the vessel lost manoeuvrability, although it was able to be towed towards Greece. The vessel has now arrived safely at Laconikos Bay in Greece and its crew are in good health, the operator added in a statement. REUTERS
The Star
7 days ago
- The Star
Explosive device likely damaged Greek tanker off Libya last week, operator says
ATHENS (Reuters) -An external explosive device most likely caused the blast that damaged Greek oil tanker Vilamoura as it was sailing off the Libyan coast last week, the vessel's Greece-based operator TMS Tankers said on Sunday, citing an initial investigation. The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Vilamoura had left the Libyan port of Zuetina on June 27 to head to Gibraltar with some 1 million barrels of oil when there was an explosion in the engine room. "Preliminary investigation findings clearly indicate that the explosion, the resulting fracture of the side shell plating, and the flooding of the engine room were caused by an external source —an unidentified explosive device," TMS Tankers said. Maritime security sources told Reuters last week that a limpet mine may have caused the blast on Vilamoura, the fifth such incident to hit commercial shipping in the region in recent months. Following the explosion and the flooding of its engine room the vessel lost manoeuvrability, although it was able to be towed towards Greece. The vessel has now arrived safely at Laconikos Bay in Greece and its crew are in good health, the operator added in a statement. (Reporting by Renee MaltezouEditing by Gareth Jones)
