Explosion Damages Crude Oil Tanker Off Libyan Coast Amid Rising Maritime Security Concerns

A crude oil tanker suffered a serious explosion while transiting the central Mediterranean near Libya, prompting maritime security alerts and fueling concerns over an ongoing pattern of attacks on vessels with prior links to Russian ports.

Incident Details and Emergency Response

The explosion occurred approximately 80 nautical miles off the Libyan coast, leading to engine room flooding aboard the vessel. On Saturday afternoon, a nearby oceangoing tug responded to the emergency and began towing the damaged tanker toward Greece. Both vessels continued at reduced speed through Sunday night.

Possible Limpet Mine Involvement and Geopolitical Links

While the exact cause remains unconfirmed, maritime security analysts suspect the use of a limpet mine—an underwater explosive device often used in covert naval attacks. The vessel had recently visited key Russian oil terminals, including Ust-Luga and ports near the Black Sea, drawing investigative attention to possible geopolitical motives behind the incident.

Pattern of Similar Explosions in 2025

This incident is part of a concerning trend in 2025, with multiple oil tankers reporting unexplained explosions under similar circumstances. All affected vessels had stopped at Russian ports before the incidents, suggesting a potential targeted campaign. Investigations into these events are ongoing, as analysts attempt to determine the origins and intent behind the attacks.

As maritime investigators probe the cause of the latest explosion, security concerns continue to mount across key international shipping routes. With geopolitical tensions rising and patterns emerging, the safety of global maritime trade remains under heightened scrutiny.