Mystery Explosions: Limpet Mines Threaten Commercial Shipping Near Libya
A Greek oil tanker, Vilamoura, was damaged off Libya's coast, believed to be caused by a limpet mine. The incident marks the fifth attack on commercial vessels in the region. Investigations suggest a link to Russian port calls, hinting at geopolitical tensions. Initial assessments were conducted, with more analyses expected.
A Greek tanker suffered damage from an explosion off Libya's coast, maritime security sources revealed. The incident is suspected to involve a limpet mine, marking the fifth attack on vessels in the region recently.
The tanker Vilamoura, flagged by the Marshall Islands, departed from Libya's Zuetina port on June 27, destined for Gibraltar with 1 million barrels of oil when an explosion occurred in its engine room. Initial assessments suggest a limpet mine may have been responsible for the blast, according to four maritime security sources.
A representative from TMS, the Greece-based operator, said the cause would remain unclear until further evaluation upon the vessel's arrival in Greece. The Vilamoura lost maneuverability due to flooding but is being towed towards Greece. The ship's recent visits to Russian ports are under scrutiny, suggesting geopolitical tensions linked to Western sanctions against Russia might drive these threats, as noted by Dryad Global.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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