The Dutch tugboat JIF Barracuda (IMO: 9345506) was attacked on October 17, 2026, while moving south near the Strait of Hormuz. The boat was struck by two unknown projectiles in a position east of the Musandam Peninsula, near the maritime entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, one crew member sustained minor injuries, but the boat was able to continue its journey.
Details of the Attack and Boat's Position
Prior to the attack, the AIS signal of this boat was last identified on October 17, indicating that it was moving near Ras Al Khaimah and heading towards the western entrance of the Strait of Hormuz. The location of the attack is on the eastern side of the strait, about 20 nautical miles northeast of Khor Fakkan, and is distanced from other recent activities related to Iran in attacks on vessels associated with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Read more: Oman Signs EU Commitment for Freedom of Navigation
Increased Risks in the Strait of Hormuz
Sequential attacks on commercial vessels in this region have raised serious concerns for maritime fleets. In particular, on Friday, a tanker captain reported a small boat approaching his ship near Al Jubail in the Arabian Gulf. This boat fired an RPG missile at the ship, causing damage to the left side of the vessel, but no injuries were reported among the crew.
Analysts expect that despite these risks, oil tankers will continue to transit through this waterway. For example, analyst Tom Baik identified 11 vessels in the "Hormuz Shuttle" route in satellite imagery on October 19, indicating the continued flow of oil from the Persian Gulf.
In an interview with a news network, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez suggested that vessel traffic should be halted to ensure safety, as sailors "continue to lose their lives on this route." He emphasized the need for negotiations and safety guarantees before any vessel traffic resumes.
Read more: Increase in LNG-Fueled Fleet to Over 1550 Vessels · Russian Naval Attacks on Commercial Vessels in the Black Sea
