A second commercial tanker was abandoned by its crew within 24 hours after being hit by an unidentified projectile near the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). This incident highlights the rising threats to merchant shipping in this vital waterway. Multiple reports indicated that the tanker was struck about eight nautical miles northeast of Limah, Oman, prompting the crew to evacuate to a lifeboat. Fortunately, no environmental damage has been noted, and investigations are currently underway.
Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory at EOS Risk Group, mentioned that the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company’s tanker Kaifan issued a distress signal, claiming it had been hit by either a drone or missile, which caused a fire in its engine room. This incident follows closely on the heels of attacks on two tankers managed by Greek shipping company Dynacom Tankers near the Omani coast, with the Kavomaleas suffering multiple strikes that led to an abandonment of the crew.
The string of assaults illustrates the deteriorating security for commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, particularly after the recent collapse of a U.S.-Iran ceasefire. As U.S. forces have targeted Iranian military sites, commercial shipping in the region remains increasingly vulnerable. UKMTO has yet to disclose the identity of the latest affected vessel or the type of projectile involved but confirmed that no injuries have occurred.
