GMM Safety | 2025-02-21 | Case Incidents |
Italian authorities are investigating a possible attack after two underwater explosions damaged the hull of the oil tanker Sea Jewel while it was unloading crude oil at the port of Savona.
The incident occurred between February 14 and 15, and the cargo operations were immediately suspended.
Per reports, the crew members aboard the vessel heard two loud bangs during the night. A hull inspection later revealed two damaged plates and a hole about a meter long. The impact bent the hull plates inward, suggesting an external force.
Divers who inspected the vessel found dead fish in the area, which further raised concerns about an explosion.
The Sea Jewel, an Aframax crude oil tanker built in 2009 and sailing under the Maltese flag, is owned by Greek company Thenamaris, which has operated it since 2021.
The ship arrived in Italy from Algeria and was docked at an oil terminal buoy for offloading when the damage was discovered.
Italian authorities, including the Savona public prosecutor’s office and an anti-terrorism unit from Genoa, have launched an investigation.
Savona’s port authority confirmed that “anomalies” were detected during unloading, leading to the precautionary suspension of operations.
The local harbour master’s office stated that the vessel remains structurally solid, and there is no risk of oil spillage or pollution in the area. None of the 23 crew members were injured.Investigators are considering various possibilities, including sabotage, mechanical failure, or previous collision damage.
However, they have ruled out an internal explosion. The Italian coast guard and specialised divers from La Spezia have been deployed to gather more evidence.
Media reports have linked the Sea Jewel to the Russian oil trade, with tracking data showing that the vessel made multiple stops at Russia’s Novorossiysk port in recent months, transporting oil to Turkey.
Ukraine’s news agency reported that the tanker carried Russian oil at least three times in 2024, in February, March and May.
This incident follows a similar case involving the Cyprus-owned tanker Koala, which suffered explosions while docked at Russia’s Ust-Luga port a week earlier.
Russian authorities initially described it as an engine room blast, but security experts have suggested that the vessel may have been targeted with limpet mines.
Maritime intelligence firm Ambrey Analytics has reported that multiple vessels linked to the Russian oil trade have been hit by explosions in recent weeks.
The Sea Jewel has a clean inspection record, with its last Port State Control review in the U.S. in June 2023 finding only a minor issue with its fire detection system.
The tanker is insured through the UK-based NorthStandard club. Thenamaris has confirmed its compliance with international regulations and is cooperating with Italian authorities.
The company has not disclosed whether any explosive residue was found on the hull or how an explosive device could have been attached.
Reference: Bloomberg
