London/Basra a Bahamas‑flagged crude oil tanker, the Sonangol Namibe, is believed to have suffered a hull breach after a blast struck the vessel while it was anchored near Iraq’s Khor al Zubair port, maritime authorities and the ship’s operator said on Thursday.

According to Sonangol Marine Services, the tanker was approached by an unidentified small vessel at around 1:20 a.m. local time (Thursday), shortly before a loud explosion was heard aboard the ship. The crew reported that water was entering a port ballast tank, suggesting damage to the hull though the vessel remains stable and safely afloat.

The Sonangol Namibe was anchored near one of Iraq’s key oil export terminals and was scheduled to load crude for onward delivery. It was not carrying cargo at the time of the blast, and there were no reports of pollution or injury to the crew so far.

The circumstances surrounding the explosion are still unclear. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the blast was accidental, the result of mechanical failure, or the consequence of a hostile act amid rising security tensions in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. The region has seen several recent maritime incidents as geopolitical conflicts intensify, heightening risks for commercial shipping.

Maritime authorities and investigators are examining the scene and monitoring the vessel’s condition. Nearby ships have been advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity, as the blast underscores growing concerns about maritime safety in strategic oil transport routes.

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