A Panama-flagged tanker, New Andros, carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi fuel oil, was struck by a drone in Iraqi territorial waters, igniting a fire but leaving its 22 crew members unharmed. The Iraqi Oil Ministry reported minor hull damage with no cargo leakage, amid escalating maritime tensions in the region.
On August 15, 2026, UKMTO and UAE authorities reported an attack on a merchant vessel near the Strait of Hormuz. A bulk carrier was struck by an unidentified projectile, prompting investigations. All crew members are safe, but damage assessments are ongoing, highlighting persistent security concerns in the region.
On July 29, explosions erupted at a natural gas port in Egypt’s Mediterranean region after a drone struck a U.S.-owned tanker, igniting a fire. Meanwhile, U.S. and Saudi strikes against Iran-backed sites in Iraq heightened regional tensions. President Trump vowed retaliation, causing oil prices to surge amidst ongoing instability.
Crew members of the Gas Lisbon tanker recounted a harrowing drone attack off the Romanian coast. Struck three times, they swiftly initiated evacuation procedures and aided injured colleagues. Sailor Alexander Megrelidze described the chaos, while Alexander Arro highlighted the delayed response from rescue services, emphasizing the crew’s quick, self-organized rescue efforts.
The U.S. military has launched strikes against Iranian targets, escalating tensions after a drone attack on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump warned of severe consequences for Iran, as both nations accuse each other of violating a recent ceasefire. The situation remains tense and complex.
Two vessels flying Panamanian and Barbadian flags were damaged in an attack while navigating Ukraine’s Black Sea corridor. One ship, carrying metal, was en route to Odesa, while the other, loaded with grain, had just departed. Odesa’s governor condemned the assaults, highlighting ongoing threats to maritime safety.
On June 5, a tragic drone attack on two cargo ships in Taganrog Bay resulted in the deaths of five Azerbaijani crew members, with three others injured. The vessels, MV Natra and MV Zirkon, were en route to load grain when they were struck, raising concerns amid Azerbaijan’s neutral stance in the ongoing conflict.
The Department of Migrant Workers reported that seven Filipino seafarers injured in the May 5 drone attack on the CMA CGM San Antonio are now stable and recovering. Two crew members are expected to return to the Philippines soon, while five remain hospitalized in Oman, receiving medical treatment and support.
The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran of attacking the empty crude oil tanker Barakah, owned by ADNOC, with drones in the Strait of Hormuz. ADNOC confirmed no injuries occurred. The UAE condemned the unprovoked assault, urging Iran to halt hostilities and reopen the critical shipping route for global oil.
Russia’s Tuapse oil refinery has halted operations following a Ukrainian drone strike on April 16, disrupting exports. The attack, part of Ukraine’s strategy to target Russian energy infrastructure, caused significant damage and fires. Rosneft has yet to comment, leaving the timeline for resuming production uncertain amid shifting geopolitical priorities.
The maritime crisis in West Asia intensified this week with a drone attack on Oman’s Port of Salalah, critically disrupting operations at a key transshipment hub. Hapag-Lloyd diverted vessels for safety, while other shipping lines reconsidered routes. The Houthis’ involvement further escalates risks to global maritime trade and regional stability.
Oil storage facilities at Oman’s Port of Salalah were attacked by drones, targeting fuel tanks, as reported by British maritime security firm Ambrey. While no damage to commercial vessels was noted, the incident raises alarms about energy infrastructure security amid escalating regional tensions, particularly linked to Iranian activities.
The oil tanker Qendil, part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” ran aground near Turkey’s Bozcaada island while empty. The Turkish Directorate General of Coastal Safety dispatched tugboats for assistance. This incident follows a drone attack by Ukraine, marking the country’s intensified efforts against Russia’s oil infrastructure amidst ongoing sanctions.
The Global Sumud Flotilla’s primary vessel, the “Family Boat,” was reportedly struck by a drone in Tunisian waters, carrying activists like Yasemin Acar and Greta Thunberg. Although the boat suffered fire damage, all six onboard are safe. The GSF remains undeterred in its mission to support Gaza’s residents.
