Dubai/Basra — Explosive-laden boats suspected to be Iranian struck two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters on Wednesday, igniting fires and killing one crew member, maritime and port officials said. The assaults followed earlier projectile strikes on four vessels across Gulf waters, marking another escalation in the ongoing conflict involving Iran and U.S.-Israeli forces.
According to Iraqi port officials, the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu and the Malta-flagged Zefyros were targeted late Wednesday near Iraq’s maritime loading zone. Both ships had loaded fuel cargoes in Iraq before the attacks occurred. Rescue teams evacuated several sailors while emergency crews battled fires aboard both vessels.
Escalating maritime attacks and rescue operations
Authorities said a rescue boat from Iraq’s General Company for Ports evacuated 25 crew members from the burning tankers. However, search teams later recovered the body of a foreign crew member from nearby waters. Meanwhile, officials continued efforts to locate additional missing seafarers.
The attacks also came after two projectiles struck the Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree earlier in the day while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz. The blasts triggered a fire in the vessel’s engine room. While most of the crew reached safety in Oman, three sailors remain missing and are believed trapped inside the damaged compartment.
Impact on shipping and regional oil trade
The maritime incidents have intensified fears over shipping security in the Gulf, a region that handles nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies. Consequently, Iraq temporarily halted operations at its oil export ports after the tanker attacks, although commercial ports continue functioning.
Additionally, several other vessels sustained minor damage from projectiles in nearby waters off the United Arab Emirates. Despite these incidents, crews on those ships remained safe.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz could face attacks if military strikes against Iran continue, further heightening tensions in global energy markets.
