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.
On May 2, Yemen’s coast guard reported the hijacking of the M/T EUREKA oil tanker off Shabwa province. Armed individuals took control and redirected the vessel towards the Gulf of Aden. Authorities are working to secure the crew’s safety and recover the ship, highlighting ongoing maritime security challenges in the region.
Sixteen Indian seafarers aboard the MT AURORA are urgently seeking repatriation after a suspected drone attack near Dubai. With limited supplies and safety concerns, they reported significant damage to the vessel. Despite not being paid for over 40 days, management pressures them to sail to Iran, threatening salary withholding.
Safesea Group is demanding an independent international investigation into the attack on its oil tanker, MT Safesea Vishnu, which killed crew member Deonandan Singh. The incident, attributed to an alleged Iranian suicide boat, raises serious maritime security concerns. Safesea urges enhanced coastal security and vessel monitoring in Iraqi waters.
An oil tanker leased by QatarEnergy was hit by an Iranian cruise missile in Qatari waters, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. Of three missiles launched, two were intercepted, but the third struck the tanker, Aqua 1. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and environmental impact was minimal.
On March 31, 2026, Bloomberg reported the successful passage of the Greek-controlled oil tanker, the Suezmax Pola, through the Strait of Hormuz amidst heightened Middle Eastern tensions. This marked the fourth such journey since the rise in hostilities, with the vessel heading towards Thailand carrying about 1 million barrels of crude oil.
On March 30, Russia dispatched an oil tanker with 100,000 metric tons of crude to Cuba, reinforcing its support amid U.S. sanctions. This shipment comes after halted Venezuelan oil exports. Cuban officials stressed energy shortages leading to blackouts, raising health concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations facing urgent needs.
A Thai oil tanker successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic talks between Thailand and Iran, avoiding passage fees. Following discussions between Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Iran’s ambassador, Iranian officials agreed to assist. This comes amid rising tensions affecting oil supplies, with Thailand facing transportation challenges.
Veteran Indian marine engineer Deonandan Prasad Singh tragically lost his life when a drone struck the oil tanker MT Safesea Vishnu near an Iraqi port. The sole fatality among 28 crew members, Singh succumbed to injuries after being evacuated. This incident underscores the escalating dangers faced by seafarers in conflict zones.
A US-owned oil tanker, the Safesea Vishnu, was attacked near Basra, Iraq, resulting in the death of an Indian crew member. Another vessel, the Malta-flagged Zefyros, was also targeted. The incident prompted the suspension of operations at Iraqi oil terminals amid rising security concerns, while commercial ports remain operational.
Belgium has seized the oil tanker Ethera, linked to Russia’s shadow fleet and suspected of using false documents, according to Defence Minister Theo Francken. This action aligns with Western sanctions aimed at reducing Russia’s oil revenues post-invasion of Ukraine. The Russian embassy expressed concern over the seizure’s implications.
Iran has significantly increased its oil loading operations, preparing for potential U.S. military action. Exports from Kharg Island soared to about 20.1 million barrels between February 15 and 20, nearly tripling January’s figures. This surge reflects Iran’s strategy to maximize oil turnover amid heightened military tensions in the region.
Three Indian seafarers are among the 28 crew members of the Russian oil tanker Marinera, seized by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic. The incident, involving crew from multiple countries, has sparked a diplomatic row between Russia and the US. India has yet to officially respond to the situation.
The U.S. Coast Guard recently seized two oil tankers tied to Venezuela, including the Russian-flagged Marinera, which had previously evaded a blockade. This operation occurred in the North Atlantic, under U.S. coordination, while Russian military vessels were nearby. Homeland Security affirmed the vessels’ involvement in transporting sanctioned oil.
The oil tanker previously known as Bella 1, now Marinera, is navigating the North Atlantic under a Russian flag. Located 200 nautical miles south of Iceland, it has sparked speculation regarding its destination of Murmansk. Tensions rise as U.S. forces prepare for potential actions against the vessel amid escalating military presence.
