A blast, possibly caused by mine, has ripped a breach in the hull of a Greek-controlled aframax in Saudi waters in the Red Sea.
The incident involved the 107,000-dwt Agrari (built 2009), a vessel listed under management of George Economou company TMS Tankers.
According to a statement issued on behalf of TMS, the Malta-flagged vessel was attacked by "an unknown source" while at berth at Shuqaiq in Saudi Arabia after completion of discharge and preparations to depart.
"The Agrari was struck about one metre above the waterline and has suffered a breach," the company said. "It has been confirmed that the crew are safe and there have been no injuries."
No pollution has been reported and the ship is said to be in ballast condition and stable.
Ambrey, which initially reported the blast, blamed it on a mine within port limits.
According to the UK-based security firm, the Agrari recently discharged a cargo from Rotterdam at Saudi Arabia's Shuqaiq steam power plant.
The Agrari is still floating off the Saudi coast at Shuqaiq and has been boarded by local authorities, including the country's coastguard, which conducts an investigation.
"TMS Tankers ... notified all relevant parties and are cooperating with the authorities in the investigation of the incident," the company said.
Saudi Arabia has not immediately acknowledged the incident, the Associated Press said in a report.
Nearby Yemen is ravaged by a war between a Saudi-led coalition fighting Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Wire services reported on Tuesday that Saudi forces destroyed five Iranian-made Houthi mines in the area.
The Red Sea is a vital maritime artery between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. Unstable conditions and sanctions applying in parts of the area often give rise to maritime accidents, incidents and commercial disputes.
