A tanker caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after two explosive devices were reportedly attached directly to its hull by a small boat, highlighting a potentially significant change in the tactics used against commercial shipping in the region.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the incident occurred on 29 October, approximately 25 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. The vessel was approached on its port side by a small craft, whose occupants attached two explosive devices to the tanker above the waterline.
The explosions subsequently triggered a fire in the engine room, temporarily leaving the vessel disabled.
In its security alert, UKMTO confirmed that the fire had been extinguished and that the tanker was continuing towards its next port of call.
Maritime security company Vanguard Tech identified the vessel as the Louise 1, a Panama-flagged tanker with a deadweight capacity of 159,092 tonnes. According to information from Pole Star Global, the vessel is owned by Panama-based Aquarius Maritime Ventures.
The incident reportedly took place at 22:12 UTC on 29 October.
A different approach to targeting commercial vessels
The attack stands out because of the method reportedly used. Previous incidents attributed to Iran in the Strait of Hormuz have primarily involved drones, missiles or gunfire directed at vessels from small boats.
This time, however, the explosives were allegedly placed directly against the tanker’s hull, suggesting a different operational approach to targeting commercial shipping.
The development comes as maritime security concerns continue to intensify throughout one of the world’s most strategically important shipping corridors.
Another vessel reportedly struck during its transit
The explosion aboard the Louise 1 was not the only incident reported within a few hours.
UKMTO said it had received information from a Company Security Officer concerning another vessel that was struck by an unidentified projectile while completing an outbound transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident occurred at approximately 16:00 UTC on 29 October. A graphic accompanying the security report placed the location in the southern corridor of the strait, close to Oman.
Meanwhile, authorities have also provided clarification regarding an earlier report involving a vessel initially described as a tanker that was reportedly on fire before becoming submerged.
According to updated information from UKMTO and maritime security firm Vanguard Tech, the vessel was actually a regional trading dhow.
UKMTO subsequently issued the following clarification:
“Regional authorities have identified the vessel as a dhow, which was involved in a maritime security incident, igniting a large fire onboard causing the dhow to list and sink. Local authorities have confirmed that the crew have been safely evacuated.”
All crew members were therefore confirmed safe after being evacuated by local authorities.
Maritime attacks increase sharply over the past month
The latest incidents come against a backdrop of mounting attacks on commercial shipping attributed to Iran.
Figures published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) indicate that 34 attacks on vessels were confirmed between 28 September and 27 October.
Most of these incidents occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, although attacks on shipping have also extended into the wider region in recent weeks.
The frequency and geographical spread of these incidents are raising further concerns for shipowners, operators and maritime security professionals navigating the Middle East.
The use of explosives attached directly to a vessel’s hull adds another dimension to the security challenges facing commercial shipping. Beyond the immediate risk of damage, the incident involving the Louise 1 illustrates how attacks can target critical areas of a ship, including its engine room, potentially disrupting its ability to operate.
As tensions continue to affect maritime traffic, the latest developments reinforce the growing uncertainty surrounding safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
