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Explosion Breaches Tanker Near Iraq, No Pollution Reported

3/5/2026

38 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On March 5, 2026, the Bahamas-flagged tanker Sonangol Namibe suffered a hull breach after an explosion near Iraq's Khor al Zubair port at 0120.
An unknown small vessel approached the tanker shortly before the blast.
The crew reported water loss from a port ballast tank, indicating a breach.
The Namibe was not carrying cargo, and no pollution has been reported.
It was to load 80,000 metric tons of Iraqi fuel.

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Story summary

On March 5, 2026, the Bahamas-flagged tanker Sonangol Namibe suffered a hull breach after an explosion near Iraq's Khor al Zubair port at 0120.
An unknown small vessel approached the tanker shortly before the blast.
The crew reported water loss from a port ballast tank, indicating a breach.
The Namibe was not carrying cargo, and no pollution has been reported.
It was to load 80,000 metric tons of Iraqi fuel.