TMS’ Vilamoura reaches Greece after explosion amid emerging pattern of attacks

MarineTraffic data shared with Riviera indicates that, as of late 2 July, the vessel was very close to the Laconian Gulf.

According to a recent report by Dryad Global, preliminary assessments suggest the explosion may have been caused by a limpet mine. However, official confirmation from investigators is expected later this month. A spokesperson for the George Economou-led shipping company added no further updates are currently available regarding the investigation.

Dryad Global and other maritime advisors have drawn parallels between this incident and previous explosions involving tankers in the Mediterranean. “This is not an isolated case,” said the maritime intelligence firm.

The advisor has identified a pattern among the affected vessels: those that have recently called at Russian ports appear to be targeted by suspected limpet mines. This, they argue, “raises fears of a deliberate sabotage campaign linked to geopolitical fallout from Western sanctions on Russian oil exports.”

Reuters reported, citing MarineTraffic data, that Vilamoura had recently made two stops at Russian ports: Ust-Luga on the Baltic Sea and Novorossiysk on the Black Sea.

Dryad Global reports at least three other tankers have experienced similar explosions in Italy, Turkey, and Libya. In one instance, authorities are investigating the possible use of Soviet-era BPM-1 or BPM-2 limpet mines. In another case, debris recovered from the site suggests a limpet mine was indeed used.

One of the previously affected vessels, Seajewel, operated by Greek company Thenamaris, has since been renamed Gattaca. The vessel is currently listed on Equasis as managed by Greece-based Star Marine Management.

Incident details

TMS Tankers stated this week that Vilamoura departed from the port of Zueitina, Libya, on 27 June, en route to Gibraltar with a cargo of 1M barrels of oil. The vessel suffered an explosion in the engineroom, which became flooded, causing a loss of manoeuvrability.

MarineTraffic data indicates the vessel changed its AIS status to Not Under Command on the same day and began drifting. On 28 June, firefighting tug Boka Summit arrived on the scene to provide assistance.

Despite the severity of the incident, TMS Tankers confirmed there were no injuries or environmental pollution.