Oil Tankers Attacked in Iraqi Waters, Raising Persian Gulf Security Concerns
Two foreign oil tankers were attacked late Wednesday near the southern coast of Basra in the northern Persian Gulf, resulting in fires aboard both vessels and prompting fears for key oil shipping routes. The incident, occurring within Iraqi territorial waters, has raised fresh concerns about maritime security in the region.
According to Iraqi officials, the tankers were struck by boats packed with explosives. The vessels involved were identified as the Maltese-flagged Zefyros oil tanker and the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu oil tanker. Vessel-tracking data indicated the two tankers were anchored alongside each other when the fire began.
Images and videos circulating online showed a large blaze at sea, with flames spreading across the vessels and thick black smoke rising into the air. Iraqi authorities reported at least one person was killed in the attack, and rescue teams were able to pull 38 crew members from the burning vessels. Farhan al-Fartousi, director general of the Iraqi Ports Company, stated that all of the rescued crew were foreign nationals, though details regarding injuries or the extent of damage to the ships were not immediately available.
An initial investigation by Iraqi security authorities suggests explosive-laden Iranian boats were responsible for the attack, though a final determination is still pending. Iran has previously been linked to maritime incidents in the region, and this latest event appears to expand such activity beyond the Strait of Hormuz to the wider Persian Gulf.
The Safesea Vishnu is a crude oil tanker built in 2007, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands. The vessel is approximately 228.6 meters long, and 32.57 meters wide, with a deadweight capacity of around 73,970 metric tons. Reports indicate the Safesea Vishnu is U.S.-owned.
The attack occurred along one of the world’s busiest energy shipping corridors. According to Farhan al-Fartousi, “Two foreign tankers carrying Iraqi fuel oil were subjected to unidentified attacks inside territorial waters, causing them to catch fire.” The incident underscores growing regional tensions and the potential for disruption to global energy supplies.
