Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Gattaca

Authorities are delving into the circumstances surrounding the 'Seajewel', a tanker that was recently targeted while unloading crude oil at the Sarpom buoys off the coast of Savona. The Italian Coast Guard is currently scrutinizing the vessel's black box to ascertain whether its tracking device was disabled during its voyage from the oil terminal in Arzew to Italy. Prosecutors Nicola Piacente and Monica Abbatecola have opened a case focusing on shipwreck scenarios with possible terrorist implications, commissioning the Digos and Coast Guard to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover both the attackers and the motives behind this alarming incident. As part of this investigation, experts have ordered chemical analyses on the crude oil and detailed examinations of the ship's travel route, searching for anomalies that might suggest a link between the 'Seajewel' and networks involved in illegally shipping Russian oil. It is suspected that these operations may involve navigating through non-European ports or covert refueling stations to market oil that is currently under embargo in Europe. Activists have highlighted certain suspicious operations, including the 'Sealeo', another tanker that had its tracker deactivated for 84 hours while en route to Augusta from the Russian port of Novorossiysk in August. The 'Sealeo' shares ownership with both the 'Seajewel' and the 'Seacharm', the latter having experienced a similar attack off the coast of Turkey back in January. To further the investigation, experts Federico Canfarini and naval engineer Alfredo Lo Noce have been brought on board by the Genoa Public Prosecutor's Office to inspect the 'Seajewel's' hull. The tanker left Savona on February 21, reaching near Athens by March 26, but has yet to dock at Pureo for repairs. As of March 6, it was anchored at coordinates 37° 27' N 023° 56' E. Initial evaluations by divers revealed that the tanker’s inner hull has sustained damage from the explosion. Authorities are particularly concerned about the potential environmental crisis that could have ensued had a secondary explosive device detonated simultaneously with the first, rather than detaching and sinking to the seabed.

In a significant development, Italian prosecutors have initiated a terrorism investigation regarding the explosions that caused damage to the Greek-operated tanker 'Seajewel'. This announcement was made on February 20 by the chief prosecutor of Genoa. The incident occurred while the vessel was docked off the coast of Savona-Vado, where it was in the process of discharging oil. Two explosions resulted in a breach below the waterline, raising concerns about security in the maritime sector. As of now, the identity of those responsible for this alleged attack remains unclear. Notably, the 'Seajewel' had recently visited a port in Russia, similar to other tankers that have faced similar explosions in recent times.

Italian authorities are launching a thorough investigation into possible causes behind the recent hull damage discovered on the tanker 'Seajewel'. Two holes were found, prompting officials to consider various scenarios, including terrorism and sabotage, while not dismissing the potential for mechanical failure or previous collision damage. The Savona Port Authority issued a statement regarding "anomalies in the unloading procedure" which were noted during the night between February 14 and February 15. Precautionary measures led to the suspension of the offloading operations, as the vessel had been moored at an oil terminal buoy to begin the process. Fortunately, no spills or injuries were reported among the crew of 23, who had reported hearing two loud bangs and noticed a significant influx of water. A subsequent inspection of the vessel's hull revealed two damaged plates, but the inner hull remained intact, preventing any leaks. Meanwhile, the Savona Prosecutor's Office has called in an elite team of divers to thoroughly examine the underside of the 'Seajewel'. Their findings confirmed a hole approximately one meter long in the hull, with the plates bent inward, indicating the possibility of an external force impacting the vessel. Moreover, divers discovered dead fish in close proximity to the damaged area, adding another layer of intrigue to the investigation. Italy’s anti-terrorism unit has also been engaged in the inquiry, amplifying the urgency surrounding the incident. The shipping company responsible for 'Seajewel' has publicly acknowledged the ongoing investigation. It’s noteworthy that the vessel has previously frequented Russia's port of Novorossiysk and made trips to Turkey, having transported Russian oil on at least three occasions in February, March, and May 2024. As investigations continue, security measures have been heightened around the 'Seajewel', ensuring the safety of divers and the integrity of the ongoing process.