Kuwait City: A tanker anchored in Kuwaiti waters was rocked by a "large explosion" on its port side Thursday, resulting in a significant oil spill, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The British maritime security agency reported that the vessel's master witnessed the blast before spotting a small craft fleeing the area near the Mubarak Al-Kabeer district. The incident occurred as regional tensions remain high following recent military strikes in the Persian Gulf.

"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 UKMTO stated in a social media post on X.

Maritime officials expressed concern over the environmental consequences of the subsequent leak.

"There is oil in the water coming from a cargo tank which could have some environmental impact," the agency added.

Emergency response teams are reportedly assessing the damage to the hull and monitoring the spread of the slick. No casualties were immediately reported following the detonation.

With inputs from AFP