Sri Lanka, March 5 -- A tanker off the coast of Kuwait has been hit by a "large explosion", causing an oil spill, British maritime security agency UKMTO says.

"There is oil in the water coming from a cargo tank which could have some environmental impact, the vessel has taken on water, there are no fires reported and the crew are safe and well," UKMTO says.

The tanker reported seeing a small watercraft fleeing the vicinity after the explosion, UKMTO adds.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Hiru News....