Tanker Struck off Qatar, Iran Claims More Hormuz Mine Hits
A tanker was hit by two projectiles about 50 nautical miles north of Madinat ash-Shamal, a town on the northern tip of Qatar in the Persian Gulf, at 23:20 GMT on 4 November, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The tanker’s name and flag were not given, the condition of the crew was not confirmed, and no one has claimed the attack.
On 5 November, Iranian forces made a series of new claims about incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said a large tanker using what they called an “illegal passageway” south of the strait struck a mine. They also said a supertanker leaving the eastern part of the strait was stopped by fire, and that a tug which came alongside it also caught fire. The Iranian army said further tankers hit naval mines, including two east of the strait around midday. No flags, ship names or casualties were given, and none of these reports could be independently verified.
UKMTO has said it is finding it hard to report attacks accurately because most ships do not report them. It has recorded five or more vessels hit since 1 November, after 35 ships were hit in October, the highest monthly figure since the conflict began in February. Qatar is mediating between the parties.
CrewMirror Takeaway
For crews in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, the risk now includes both projectiles and possible mines on routes outside the main traffic lanes. Ships in the area are urged to report every incident and suspicious sighting to UKMTO, as fuller reporting helps warn other vessels and supports rescue efforts.
