At least three commercial tankers have been hit by unidentified projectiles near the Strait of Hormuz since October 1, adding to concerns over the safety of one of the world’s most important oil-shipping routes.
The latest incident took place early Saturday when a crude oil tanker was struck on its port side around four nautical miles off Oman, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
Two other incidents were reported a day earlier. One vessel suffered a minor fire and lost power, while another crude tanker was struck nearby. The attacks come as Brent crude prices remain around $100 a barrel and the G7 has moved to release emergency oil reserves to contain the impact of soaring energy costs.
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What happened to the tankers near Strait of Hormuz?
The latest tanker incidents have raised fresh concerns about commercial shipping through the strategic waterway. On Thursday, Iranian state news agency Fars reported that a supertanker carrying around 2.5 million barrels of crude caught fire off Oman. The agency claimed the vessel had been using a route that was not authorised.
UKMTO has described the recent incidents as a significant increase in attacks affecting commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran claims several tankers were targeted
Iran has presented a different account of the incidents. Iranian state media, citing the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, said seven tankers had been targeted over a five-day period. It identified AL RUWAIS, SINBAD and MERSIN PROSPERITY as repeat violators and claimed they were owned or chartered by the UAE.
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