June 30, 2025 — According to maritime security consultancy Vanguard, a Greek-managed crude oil tanker, Vilamoura, has reportedly suffered a serious explosion while navigating waters approximately 80 nautical miles off the coast of Libya.
Explosion and Engine Room Flooding Reported
The 158,000 DWT tanker Vilamoura experienced a suspected security incident in the central Mediterranean. The vessel reported an onboard explosion followed by flooding in the engine room, raising concerns about the nature and origin of the blast.
Tugboat Assistance and Current Status
The oceangoing tug Boka Summit rendezvoused with Vilamoura near Benghazi on Saturday afternoon. AIS tracking data from Pole Star indicates that Boka Summit has towed the damaged tanker. As of Sunday night, both vessels were en route to Greece, moving at approximately four knots.
Possible Limpet Mine Attack Under Investigation
While the exact cause of the explosion remains unconfirmed, speculation has emerged regarding a potential limpet mine attack. Vanguard noted that Vilamoura had made two port calls in Russia over the past year—one at Ust-Luga and another in the Black Sea region, possibly near Sochi and Novorossiysk, a key loading port for Russian and Kazakh crude oil.
This Russian connection has led some analysts to consider geopolitical motives behind the incident. Vanguard emphasized that several tankers with recent Russian port visits have experienced similar explosions in 2025, including:
- Seajewel (Malta-flagged)
- Seacharm (Marshall Islands-flagged)
- Grace Ferrum (Liberia-flagged)
- Kola (Antigua and Barbuda-flagged)
Maritime Security Concerns in the Mediterranean
The incident underscores growing maritime security risks in the Mediterranean, particularly for vessels with ties to Russian oil exports. Limpet mine attacks—small explosive devices attached to a ship’s hull—have become a troubling trend in 2025, prompting increased vigilance among shipping companies and international maritime authorities.
Conclusion
The explosion aboard Vilamoura highlights the volatile nature of global shipping routes amid geopolitical tensions. As investigations continue, maritime stakeholders are urged to monitor developments closely and reassess security protocols for vessels operating in high-risk zones.
The MaritimeHub News Network
