World Nov 4, 2026
VLCC Grit Hit in Engine Room During Latest Strait of Hormuz Attack
The Barbados-flagged supertanker was reportedly struck by two unidentified projectiles in Omani waters, marking the fifth confirmed maritime attack during the first three days of November.
The latest incident involving commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has targeted a Barbados-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC), adding to a series of attacks reported across the region since the start of November.
The vessel was reportedly hit by two unidentified projectiles in its engine room around 19:00 UTC on November 3. The incident took place about 14 nautical miles to the north-east of Limah, off the coast of Oman.
Maritime security company Vanguard Tech said the tanker was the Grit, a VLCC registered in Barbados. The firm said its initial assessment indicated the assault was within Omani territorial waters.
No casualties to crew have been reported. However, the vessel’s current operational status and the full extent of the damage are unknown.
A tanker listed as Iranian by maritime authorities
The Grit also features on the blacklist of non-compliant vessels of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA).
The 23-year-old tanker is managed by Yearn Marine and its registered owner is Hong Kong-based Guangjie Shipping, according to data from maritime intelligence firm Pole Star Global.
The latest incident is the fifth confirmed attack on commercial vessels in the region in the first three days of November, highlighting the continuing security risks to maritime traffic around the Strait of Hormuz.
A series of attacks since Nov. 1
The Grit incident happens amid a string of other attacks reported in surrounding waters in recent days.
On 1 November, the offshore tug Selat Storm and tanker Era S were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker Largo Atom was also hit by two unknown projectiles on Monday in the Arabian Gulf.
Matters took a turn for the worse on November 2nd when the Indian-flagged dhow Al Jusufi came under attack off Oman. One crew member died because of the incident.
The number of confirmed incidents has now reached five in just three days since the attack on the Grit on 3 November, stoking safety fears over commercial vessels operating in one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes.
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