Four seafarers injured as attacks on vessels continue in the Persian Gulf

November 12 ------ A series of attacks between November 7 and 10, has heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region, despite renewed international calls to protect merchant vessels and their crews.

During the IMO Council’s 138th session in London on November 2–6, Member States condemned attacks on commercial vessels, while IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez drew attention to the human cost of the conflict, citing the fatal attack on the tanker Velos Sapphire on November 5, which brought the reported seafarer death toll since the Middle East conflict began to 25.

Despite the calls to protect seafarers and merchant shipping, the latest incidents involve the Liberian-flagged crude oil tankers Fujairah Energy and Tarif, alongside a reported attack on a vessel operated by ADNOC Logistics & Services.

Four injured in attack on crude oil tanker

On November 10, the Liberian-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC) Fujairah Energy was struck by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf from Al Ruwais to Dubai, according to India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal.

Four crew members sustained injuries, including one Indian seafarer who suffered minor injuries and was safely taken ashore for further medical examination. The remaining 18 crew members, including five other Indian nationals, were reported safe and accounted for. In total, six Indian seafarers were serving aboard the vessel when the attack occurred.

Sonowal stated that Indian authorities were monitoring developments and maintaining contact with the vessel’s management company to ensure the crew’s security, medical care and welfare.

ADNOC vessel damaged in UAE waters

On November 10, ADNOC Logistics & Services also confirmed that one of its vessels sustained damage following an attack in the United Arab Emirates’ territorial waters in the Arabian Gulf. According to a statement published by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the incident occurred during the afternoon, with response teams continuing their efforts.

The company however has not disclosed the vessel’s identity, the extent of the damage or whether any crew members had been injured. ADNOC Logistics & Services said further information would be provided as it became available and urged the public to rely on official sources rather than unverified reports.

Crude oil tanker attacked for the second time

Meanwhile, the Liberian-flagged crude oil tanker Tarif was one of the tankers reportedly struck by a projectile while crossing the Strait of Hormuz on November 7, marking the second reported attack on the vessel in 2026.

According to the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and reported by DZRH, the vessel’s licensed manning agency confirmed that all crew members were safe and that the tanker remained operational, with its power and engine systems functioning normally.

The vessel had previously been attacked in August, sustaining minor damage without injuries to its crew. Following that earlier incident, 12 Filipino seafarers were repatriated. Consequently, no Filipino crew members were aboard during the November 7 attack.

The DMW also referred to Advisory No. 62, Series of 2026, which updates the International Bargaining Forum’s designated warlike and high-risk areas. The advisory reiterates Filipino seafarers’ right to refuse deployment to such areas and provides for repatriation at the company’s expense, together with compensation equivalent to two months of basic wages.

The latest incidents come amid persistent security concerns affecting shipping operations in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.

In its latest assessment, the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) reported that vessel movements through the Strait remained significantly below historical levels, with restrictions, military activity and the threat of further attacks continuing to influence commercial shipping decisions.

Source: safety4sea.com