The oil tanker MT Velos Sapphire was attacked in the Persian Gulf, resulting in the death of one of the sailors. According to the Greek management company Velos Tankers, this incident occurred while the ship was heading towards Bahrain.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, an explosion likely caused by a missile attack led to a fire on the ship. The sailor who was initially reported missing was found after the explosion and unfortunately suffered fatal injuries. Other crew members managed to extinguish the fire, and no further damage has been reported.
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Investigations and Consequences
The oil tanker has been transferred to Khalifa bin Salman Port in Bahrain, and investigations into this incident will now begin to assess the damage to the ship's hull. This incident is part of a series of attacks on vessels in the Persian Gulf, particularly attributed to Iran.
Reports indicate that Iran has employed various techniques, such as using underwater drones loaded with explosives and sticky mines, to prevent oil exports from the Strait of Hormuz. According to data from the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre, October recorded the highest number of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, with over 35 incidents.
In the first week of November, at least five other ships were also attacked. This increase in attacks coincides with signs of improvement in oil transportation through Hormuz. The United States Central Command has stated that since last summer, it has assisted Gulf countries in exporting 1.5 billion barrels of oil.
On Thursday, Iranian media reported that five oil tankers and a tugboat caught fire due to mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced on Friday that two more oil tankers are on fire in this strait.
Meanwhile, Iranian media reports indicate that on Friday, Iran's air defense systems shot down an American MQ-1 drone over Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States has not confirmed this incident.
These events follow U.S. airstrikes on Qeshm Island on Tuesday, with Iranian media reporting five consecutive explosions. A statement attributed to Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, warned that war in the Middle East would escalate if U.S. attacks resume. Khamenei also dismissed claims that Washington would change course after the midterm elections.
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