Large explosion on tanker in Kuwait as oil gushes into sea and ship takes on water

 A 'large explosion' has been reported on an oil tanker near the coast of Kuwait, with large amounts now feared to be gushing into the Gulf waters with potentially disastrous environmental impacts.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it has received a report an explosion off the coast of Kuwait on Wednesday, March 4.

UKMTO said the Master of an anchored tanker reported witnessing and hearing a large explosion then seeing a small craft leave the vicinity in south-east Mubarak Al-Kabeer in Kuwait late on Wednesday, March 4, as the Middle East war rages on.

Israel and the US hit Iran in joint strikes on several key sites on Saturday, February 28. Iran's supreme leader at the time, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died in the strikes over the weekend. Iran has retaliated by striking sites across the Middle East.

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

"The vessel has taken on water, there are no fires reported and the crew are safe and well."

Authorities are investigating the incident.

The maritime operation said vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.