The oil tanker Gem No.2, which is registered under the Panama flag, was attacked on December 15, 2023, approximately 13 nautical miles west of Jazira Island, United Arab Emirates. The attack was carried out using an unspecified projectile, resulting in a fire on the ship that was subsequently brought under control.
Details of the Attack on the Oil Tanker and Crew Status
This oil tanker, with a capacity of 302,000 tons and managed in Taiwan, is affiliated with U-Ming Marine Transport. The Indian Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced that the tanker was attacked by a drone while in the port of Sharjah, and all 22 Indian crew members are safe. However, the extent of the damage to the tanker is still unclear.
Read more: The U.S. sanctioned 17 Iranian oil tankers
Consequences of Recent Attacks and Reactions
This attack on the oil tanker Gem No.2 followed another attack on a tanker near Qatar. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has also warned that they will target ships that Tehran deems to be passing through unauthorized routes in the region, not just in the Strait of Hormuz. The Guard claimed to have attacked a Vietnamese LPG carrier named NV Sunshine, although independent verification of this claim is still pending.
On Saturday, December 16, 2023, reports from UK Maritime Trade Operations indicated that an unidentified oil tanker was struck by a projectile while exiting the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in another fire. Fortunately, the crew of this ship was also safe. On the other hand, Iran claimed that a super tanker exploded after hitting a sea mine while exiting the strait. This claim remains unverified and does not specify the name of the ship.
Overall, tensions in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman have escalated with these types of attacks and reciprocal reactions. U.S. forces have recently targeted the Panama-flagged Ocean Molica (also known as Arika Sun) for ignoring warnings regarding sanctions imposed on Iranian ports, resulting in damage and the ship's propulsion system being disabled. Fortunately, no injuries to the crew of this ship have been reported.
Read more: Iranian oil tanker cargo on a sanctioned route to Venezuela · New U.S. and U.K. sanctions against Iran and Russia increase impact on tanker fleets
