GULF WATERS: Explosive-laden boats believed to be operated by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters late Wednesday night, setting them on fire and killing at least one crew member, according to port officials and maritime security firms.
The attacks occurred near Iraq’s coast in the strategic Persian Gulf as tensions continue to escalate between Iran and United States-Israel forces.
Officials said the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Safesea Vishnu and the Malta-flagged Zefyros, both carrying fuel cargo loaded in Iraq, were targeted by armed boats.
Rescue teams recovered the body of a foreign crew member from the water while search operations continued for other missing sailors.
According to maritime data, Safesea Vishnu is commercially operated by Safesea Transport Group, while the tanker Zefyros is owned by Zefyros Trading SA and operated by the United Kingdom-based Cygnus Tankers Limited.
The attacks mark a major escalation in the ongoing confrontation following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28. Since the conflict intensified, at least 16 commercial vessels have reportedly been struck in the region.
Shipping activity through the vital Strait of Hormuz — which carries nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply — has slowed sharply amid security concerns, sending global oil prices to their highest levels since 2022.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree was struck by two projectiles while passing through the strait. The vessel caught fire, damaging its engine room.
The ship’s operator, Precious Shipping, said three crew members were missing and believed trapped inside the engine room, while the remaining 20 crew members were safely evacuated to Oman.
In a statement carried by Iranian media, the Revolutionary Guards claimed their fighters fired on the vessel, indicating the first direct engagement in the maritime clashes.
Meanwhile, the Japan-flagged container ship ONE Majesty suffered minor damage after being hit by an unknown projectile while anchored in Gulf waters northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. Its owner, Mitsui OSK Lines, confirmed that all crew members were safe and the ship remained operational.
Another vessel, the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Star Gwyneth, also sustained damage to its hull after being struck by a projectile near Dubai, maritime security firm Vanguard Tech reported. The ship’s operator Star Bulk Carriers said there were no injuries among crew members.
Iranian officials have warned that vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz could be targeted amid the ongoing conflict, while U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to intensify American military action if Iran continues attempts to disrupt the vital waterway.