Tankers Ablaze as Iran Escalates Gulf Shipping Attacks

Six vessels have come under fire in recent days, marking a significant escalation in maritime security concerns across the Gulf region. Reports indicate that Iranian explosive-laden boats attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, while projectiles struck four additional ships in Gulf waters. The incident involves major commercial vessels and has raised alarms regarding global shipping lanes.

Assault on Iraqi Tankers

Two specific fuel tankers were targeted during late-night attacks on Wednesday. The Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu and the Zefyros, which had loaded fuel cargoes in Iraq, were set ablaze. One Iraqi port security source indicated the Zefyros was flagged in Malta. A port security official confirmed that they recovered the body of a foreign crew member from the water, though it remains unclear which vessel the deceased belonged to.

Farhan al-Fartousi, director general of the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI), stated that 25 crew members were rescued by an Iraqi Ports Company boat. Fires continue to burn on both ships. Consequently, oil ports have completely stopped operations following the attacks, although commercial ports remain functional. Reuters reported that officials described the sabotage as a flagrant violation of sovereignty within territorial waters. This follows reports of the use of explosive-laden unmanned surface vessels, which Ukraine has used with great effect in its war with Russia.

Strait of Hormuz Disruptions

Beyond Iraqi waters, four other vessels faced threats in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. The Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree dry bulk vessel was struck by two projectiles of unknown origin while sailing through the strait. This attack caused a fire and damaged the engine room. Precious Shipping, the operator, reported three crew members missing and believed trapped inside, though 20 others were evacuated to Oman.

The IRGC claimed in a statement carried by Tasnim news agency that the ship was fired upon by Iranian fighters. Another vessel, the Japan-flagged container ship ONE Majesty, sustained minor damage from an unknown projectile near Ras Al-Khaimah. Its owner, Mitsui OSK Lines, confirmed all crew were safe and the vessel remains operational. A third vessel, the Marshall Islands-flagged Star Gwyneth bulk carrier, was hit near Dubai with hull damage but no injuries. Early on Thursday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre said an unidentified projectile struck a container ship, causing a small fire, 35 nautical miles north of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates. The crew were reported safe.

Geopolitical Fallout

The attacks occur as Iran has blocked oil shipments from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical choke point for one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas. Reuters reports suggest Iran deployed about a dozen mines in the strait. US President Donald Trump stated that US forces had struck 28 Iranian mine-laying vessels amid warnings of severe repercussions. Meanwhile, the US Navy has refused near-daily requests from the shipping industry for military escorts due to high risk levels during this period of conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran.

Key Takeaways

• Six vessels were attacked in total across Iraqi waters and the Gulf.
• Two fuel tankers, Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros, were set ablaze with one fatality.
• The IRGC claimed responsibility for striking the Mayuree Naree dry bulk vessel.
• US Navy is refusing escort requests due to high risk levels.
• Iran has reportedly deployed mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Summary

Maritime security has deteriorated rapidly following coordinated attacks on commercial shipping. With operations halted at oil ports and missing crew members still unaccounted for, the region faces an uncertain outlook as international forces weigh their response to these violations of sovereignty.