The Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Olympic Life, owned by Athens-based Olympic Shipping & Management, experienced an external explosion on its port side close to the waterline on May 26, about 60 nautical miles northeast of Muscat, Oman. The incident occurred while the tanker was sailing out of the Gulf of Oman without cargo on board [1, 2, 3, 4].
The explosion caused some bunker fuel to leak into the sea, but there were no injuries among the crew and passengers, who all reported safe [1, 2, 3, 4]. The vessel is a successor to the enterprise founded by Aristotle Onassis and holds significant standing in the shipping industry [2, 4].
Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the explosion. Some reports indicate the tanker was struck by an unknown object that damaged a fuel tank, leading to the blast. However, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) only verified that an external explosion occurred, without identifying what triggered it [2, 4].
At approximately 07:00 GMT on May 26, the tanker was traveling past Muscat heading out from the Gulf of Oman when the event happened [2, 4]. The location places the vessel roughly 110 kilometers from Oman’s capital city [1].
Officials and the ship’s owner continue investigation efforts as environmental monitoring proceeds to assess the extent and impact of the bunker fuel spill. The vessel remains stable, and no further updates regarding the damage or remediation efforts have been released as of May 27.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent escalation and protect the marine environment.
Further information is expected as investigations continue.
