Terrorism Investigation Launched into Recent Explosions Targeting Oil Tankers in the Mediterranean
Italian authorities have initiated a terrorism investigation following a series of explosions that damaged an oil tanker off northern Italy last weekend. The chief prosecutor of Genoa, Nicola Piacente, announced that two explosions had inflicted a significant hole below the waterline of the Greek-operated oil tanker, Seajewel, while it was anchored near Savona-Vado and discharging oil.
The precise individuals or groups responsible for this alleged attack remain unclear. Notably, the Seajewel, similar to other tankers subjected to recent explosions, had made prior visits to Russian ports, raising suspicions among investigators. Piacente stated, "We took over the black box; the ship was not seized," underscoring the ongoing efforts to extract critical information about the incident.
The antiterrorism division of Genoa's Public Prosecutors Office is currently probing potential charges of shipwreck aggravated by terrorist motives. The vessel's Athens-based operator, Thenamaris, has temporarily suspended routine operations since February 15 but assured that all crew members and involved third parties were safe, with no environmental harm reported as a result of the explosions. They have expressed their commitment to cooperating with local authorities during the investigation.
This incident follows three similar attacks on oil tankers in the Mediterranean over the past month. The opposition party in Italy, the 5 Star Movement, has characterized the incident as a terrorist act and has demanded a comprehensive report to be submitted to parliament upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Each of the damaged tankers, including the Seajewel, had made recent stopovers at Russian ports, further intensifying scrutiny over the situation. Notably, another tanker operated by Thenamaris, the Seacharm, had also experienced damage in a separate incident earlier this year, with ongoing investigations by Greek authorities into the circumstances surrounding that event.
Additionally, a fourth tanker, the Koala, has been reported damaged and is currently stranded at the Russian Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga. Industry officials have voiced increasing concerns regarding these incidents, highlighting a troubling pattern that could indicate targeted attacks on maritime vessels.
In recent updates, maritime security experts have suggested that limpet mines, often used in acts of sabotage, could be the primary cause of these blasts, though they noted that this theory requires confirmation. One source pointed out that external factors likely led to the damages sustained by the Seajewel and Seacharm, stating, "It was an external strike; something external caused the damage."
This troubling narrative adds to a series of alarming maritime incidents in the region, including the December sinking of the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major off Spain, which suffered an explosion in its engine room, leaving two crew members missing. As the investigation into the Seajewel incident continues, the international maritime community remains on high alert for further developments.
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