Recent attacks on multiple vessels in the oil-rich Persian Gulf, coupled with escalating tensions between Iran and the United States and Israel, are raising concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supplies and the wider economic impact.
On the night of March 12, 2026, two foreign tankers in Iraqi waters were set ablaze in an attack claimed by Iran. At least one person died in the incident, and dozens of crew members were rescued. Iranian state television reported that a submersible drone was used to detonate explosives on the two tankers.
Footage of one of the tankers, identified as the “MV Safesea Vishnhu,” being struck has been shared widely. The video was captured by Dennis Pialago, a Filipino mariner, from a nearby bulk carrier.
A second video, recorded by Pialago on the morning of March 13, 2026, shows the tanker’s hull scorched and listing in the water. While the fire appeared to be largely extinguished, smoke continued to rise from the vessel.
Earlier on March 13, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a container ship off the coast of the United Arab Emirates had been hit by an “unknown projectile.”
Danish shipping giant Maersk confirmed to CNN on March 13 that a Liberia-flagged vessel, the Source Blessing, was involved in an incident in the Persian Gulf overnight. A fire broke out on board but was quickly extinguished, and no injuries to the crew were reported. Maersk stated the vessel is “time chartered,” meaning It’s operating on behalf of the company.
On March 12, the UKMTO also received reports of three other vessels being struck by projectiles near the Strait of Hormuz. One of those incidents resulted in a fire on board, prompting the evacuation of some crew members, according to the UKMTO.
One of the vessels attacked on March 12 was a Thai bulk carrier. Thailand’s Ministry of Transport reported an explosion occurred in the stern, causing a fire in the engine room.
Hanna Ziady, of CNN, contributed to this report.
