Explosion Near Kuwait and Warship Sinking Near Sri Lanka Raise Tensions as US-Iran Conflict Escalates
New Delhi | 5 March 2026 A tanker anchored in waters near Kuwait reported a serious incident after witnessing a blast latenight on March 4, around 22:40 UTC (4:10am IST on March 5) , according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The agency said the tanker crew heard and saw a powerful explosion nearby and later noticed oil leaking into the sea, raising concerns about possible environmental damage. In a post on X, the agency said, "The Master of a tanker at anchor, reports witnessing and hearing a large explosion on the port side then seeing a small craft leave the vicinity" near Kuwait’s Mubarak Al-Kabeer area. It also confirmed that "there is oil in the water coming from a cargo tank, which could have some environmental impact," though no fire was reported and the crew members on board were safe. Authorities have started investigating the incident, while ships operating in the area were warned to remain alert. The UKMTO also advised maritime traffic to stay cautious, stating, "Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO." Later, Kuwait’s interior ministry clarified that the explosion took place outside the country’s territorial waters, about 60 kilometres from Mubarak Al-Kabeer port. Meanwhile, the conflict between the United States and Iran intensified further after a US submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka. The vessel, identified as IRIS Dena, sank in the Indian Ocean. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike, saying, “An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters." He added, “Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo.” According to Sri Lankan officials, the warship had around 180 people on board. Rescue teams from the Sri Lankan Navy managed to save around 32 people and recover over 87 bodies from the sea. Sri Lankan Navy spokesman Commander Buddhika Sampath said that when rescue teams reached the location, "only some oil patches and life rafts" were found, adding, "We found people floating on the water." The developments have raised serious concerns about security and stability in key maritime routes as tensions in the region continue to Blast Near Kuwait and Iranian Warship Sinking Near Sri Lanka Raise Fresh Concerns Amid US-Iran Tensions A tanker anchored near Kuwait reported witnessing a powerful blast late night on March 4, around 22:40 UTC (4:10am IST on March 5) according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The incident happened close to the Mubarak Al-Kabeer area and the tanker crew later noticed oil spreading in the water. Officials said the crew members are safe, and there were no reports of fire after the explosion. In a message shared by the maritime agency, it said, "The Master of a tanker at anchor, reports witnessing and hearing a large explosion on the port side then seeing a small craft leave the vicinity". The agency also warned that "there is oil in the water coming from a cargo tank, which could have some environmental impact," raising concerns about possible damage to the surrounding waters. Authorities are now examining the incident and monitoring activity in the area. The agency also issued an alert to ships moving through the region, saying "Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO." Later, Kuwait’s interior ministry clarified that the explosion occurred outside the country’s territorial waters, about 60 kilometres away from Mubarak Al-Kabeer port. In a separate development linked to the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, an Iranian warship named IRIS Dena sank near Sri Lanka after being hit by a torpedo from a US submarine. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike, saying, “An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters." He added, “Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo.” Sri Lankan officials said rescue teams saved several people, but "only some oil patches and life rafts" were found at the scene, and "We found people floating on the water."
