Two tankers were struck in Iraqi waters near Al Basrah during what appears to have been a ship-to-ship transfer operation, in another major escalation of maritime violence across the Gulf.
According to UKMTO, the incident occurred around five nautical miles south of Al Basrah. The chief security officer of one of the vessels reported that a fire broke out on board following the attack. Crew members were said to be safe after evacuating.
Tracking specialists identified the ships involved as the Greek-owned chemical and product tanker Zefyros and the US-owned Safesea Vishnu. AIS data showed the two vessels positioned side by side at the time, consistent with an STS transfer.
The Iraqi News Agency later reported that 38 crew members from the two ships had been rescued, although one fatality was also reported. The same source quoted Iraq’s ports authority as saying all oil terminals had been fully suspended.
According to market and security observers, Zefyros had been carrying condensates for Basrah Gas Company and was expected to discharge before loading 30,000 tonnes of naphtha for Iraq’s state oil marketer SOMO.
The latest strike brings the total number of vessels reportedly hit in the Arabian Gulf region to five over a 24-hour period. Other recent victims include the bulker Mayuree Naree, the ONE Majesty and the Star Gwyneth, each of which sustained damage in separate incidents.
The attacks are now raising fears not only for shipping safety, but also for the continuity of regional oil exports and port operations.
