Series of attacks in Hormuz raise significant concern

July 22 ------ A fresh attack on a commercial tanker in the Strait of Hormuz has intensified concerns over maritime security in the Gulf, following a series of incidents targeting merchant vessels in recent days.

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a tanker was struck by an unknown projectile at approximately 20:10 UTC on 20 July, about eight nautical miles northeast of Limah, Oman. The crew abandoned the vessel and evacuated to a lifeboat while awaiting rescue.

Authorities said there were no reported injuries or environmental damage and that the incident remains under investigation. The vessel has been identified as the Kuwaiti product tanker Kaifan, reporting that the strike caused an engine room fire consistent with recent attacks in the region.

The incident followed another reported attack on 19 July, when a tanker was hit by an unknown projectile 17 nautical miles east of Dibba, UAE, damaging its steering gear.

All crew members were reported safe, with no pollution recorded. The vessel is believed to have been the Dynacom Tankers VLCC Acheloos, making it the second tanker operated by the George Procopiou-controlled company to be targeted within 24 hours.

Earlier on 19 July, the Dynacom product tanker Kavomaleas was also struck in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire that forced its crew to abandon ship.

The attacks come amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its latest strikes targeted Iranian military command centers, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and air defense systems to reduce Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping.

Source: safety4sea.com