The Gulf tanker attacks escalation continued on Wednesday after explosive-laden boats reportedly targeted fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, setting vessels ablaze and killing one crew member. Maritime security firms and port officials said the incident marks another rise in tensions linked to the wider conflict between Iran and US-Israeli forces.
The attacks bring the number of ships struck in the region to at least 16 since fighting began. Shipping in the Gulf and along the narrow Strait of Hormuz, a passage that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil, has slowed dramatically as the conflict intensifies.
Two tankers carrying fuel cargoes were reportedly hit during late-night armed boat attacks near Iraq. The vessels were identified as the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu and the Zefyros, according to Iraqi port officials.
Rescue teams recovered the body of one foreign crew member from the water while continuing to search for additional missing sailors. Officials said it was not immediately clear which vessel the crew member belonged to.
The Safesea Vishnu is commercially operated by Safesea Transport Group, while Safesea Group is listed as the beneficial operator, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence data.
Meanwhile, the tanker Zefyros, flagged in Malta, is owned by Zefyros Trading SA. Its commercial operator is UK-based Cygnus Tankers Limited, with ownership linked to the George & Vassilis Michael family group of companies, a major name in Greek shipping.
Projectile Strikes Reported On Additional Ships
Separate incidents were reported elsewhere in the Gulf. The Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree dry bulk vessel was struck by two projectiles while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, its operator Precious Shipping said.
The attack caused a fire and damaged the ship’s engine room. According to the company, three crew members were missing and believed to be trapped inside the engine compartment.
The remaining 20 crew members were safely evacuated and brought ashore in Oman. Images shared by the Thai navy showed smoke rising from the rear of the vessel.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards later said the ship had been “fired upon by Iranian fighters,” suggesting a rare direct engagement rather than the missile or drone attacks previously reported. Two additional ships were also struck by projectiles on Wednesday.
The Japan-flagged ONE Majesty container ship sustained minor damage while anchored about 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. Its owners said the vessel remained fully operational and all crew were safe.
Read: Minab Girls’ School Strike Raises Questions Over US Targeting Process
Another vessel, the Marshall Islands-flagged Star Gwyneth, was hit approximately 50 miles northwest of Dubai. Maritime risk firm Vanguard said the projectile damaged the ship’s hull, though no injuries were reported.
The ship’s owner, Star Bulk Carriers, confirmed the impact occurred in the cargo hold area while the vessel was anchored.
