At Least 1 Killed As Iranian Drone Hits US-Owned Oil Tanker In Persian Gulf
Two foreign oil tankers were left ablaze in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday night, with the Islamic Republic of Iran claiming responsibility for the attack. The army said that the underwater drone attack blew up two oil tankers, namely the Maltese-flagged Zefyros and the Marshallese-flagged Safesea Vishnu.
According to vessel monitoring firm, the Safesea Vishnu is owned by the US-based company Safesea Transport Inc., while Zefyros’ owner is based in Greece.
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At least one person has been killed in the attack. 38 crew members were rescued while some remain missing. Iran had warned that it would attack any ships trying to pass through the Strait, the vital sea route through which about 20% of the world’s oil usually passes.
At least three commercial vessels have also been hit in the Strait of Hormuz. One ship was hit off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a second north of Oman had to be evacuated due to fire on board; and a third sustained damage north-west of Dubai, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
According to Farhan al-Fartousi, director general of the state-owned General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI), the oil tanker attack has forced to halt operation of oil ports. Ships remain in the waiting area, and loading and unloading are ongoing at the North and South Um Qasr ports, he said.
