The tanker mentioned in this report caught fire at 0300 UTC. This incident occurred near the midpoint of the Strait of Hormuz and approximately nine nautical miles north of Khasab, a port city in northern Musandam Peninsula. Currently, the status of the tanker crew is unknown.
Incident Details
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported that this incident was communicated to them by a passing vessel. According to received information, the tanker is currently in a dangerous condition and appears to be severely damaged. Maritime security advisor Vanguard Tech has also stated that the ship is nearly sunk due to being struck by a projectile.
Read more: Output of the Spirito Santo Express tanker after an explosion in the South Atlantic
Ongoing Threats in the Strait of Hormuz
According to published statistics, since the beginning of October, there have been 30 attacks on vessels by Iranian forces. This figure represents the highest rate of attacks since the conflict began in February. Most of these attacks have occurred in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding areas, with some extending further from this region, from Iraq to Oman.
Given these circumstances, concerns about maritime security in this area have increased. This situation could have serious implications for maritime transport and global energy supply. Experts believe that the continuation of such attacks could escalate tensions in the region and necessitate further precautionary measures to protect vessels and tankers.
Read more: French warship downed a threatening drone near CMA CGM in the Red Sea · The Blue Eclipse tanker is active for environmental monitoring on the Viking connection route in the North Sea
