On August 5, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported two distinct maritime security incidents involving tankers near Yemen and in the Strait of Hormuz. One tanker, situated about 95 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen, reported a loud explosion nearby. Fortunately, all crew members were safe, and there were no environmental repercussions.
In a related incident, another tanker navigating approximately 9 nautical miles southeast of Kumzar, Oman, in the Strait of Hormuz, also reported hearing two explosions. Similar to the first incident, the crew and vessel were confirmed safe, with no environmental damage noted. UKMTO is currently investigating both occurrences and has urged vessels to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Additionally, on the same day, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack on the Saudi oil tanker Wafa in the northern Red Sea near Yanbu. UKMTO has since reassessed the situation, downgrading the incident from an attack warning to an advisory, as the intended target could not be definitively identified. They continue to advise vessels in the area to proceed with caution.
