Explosive-laden boats believed to be linked to Iran attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters late Wednesday, setting the vessels ablaze and killing at least one crew member, according to port authorities and maritime security firms.
The latest incident adds to growing tensions in the region amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and US-Israeli forces, with at least 16 ships reported struck since hostilities began on February 28.
The vessels targeted were the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu and the Malta-flagged Zefyros, both carrying fuel cargoes loaded in Iraq, officials said. The attacks occurred during ship-to-ship loading operations within Iraqi territorial waters.
According to the State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), the Safesea Vishnu had been chartered by an Iraqi company under contract with the state oil marketer, while Zefyros was transporting condensate cargo from Basra Gas Company.
Following the attacks, Iraq suspended operations at its oil export ports. The decision was confirmed by the head of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, who said commercial ports remained operational.
Rescue teams evacuated 25 crew members from the two ships while firefighters continued efforts to extinguish the flames. Authorities also recovered the body of a foreign crew member from the water while search operations continued for additional missing sailors.
The incidents come amid rising threats by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has warned that ships passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz could be targeted if attacks against Iran persist.
Earlier the same day, two projectiles struck the Thai-flagged cargo vessel Mayuree Naree while it was sailing through the strait. According to the ship’s operator Precious Shipping, the strike caused a fire in the engine room and left three crew members missing.
The remaining 20 sailors were evacuated safely to Oman, while rescue operations continued.
Other vessels were also affected by projectile strikes in the Gulf. The Japan-linked container ship ONE Majesty, operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and chartered by Ocean Network Express, sustained minor damage while anchored in the Gulf near the United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Star Gwyneth was hit by another projectile northwest of Dubai, causing hull damage but no casualties.
The escalation has severely disrupted shipping in the Gulf, particularly along the Strait of Hormuz — a critical maritime route that carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Amid the crisis, Donald Trump warned that the United States would respond forcefully if Iran attempts to block oil exports from the region.
Maritime security experts say the growing attacks on commercial shipping could further destabilise global energy markets and increase risks for vessels operating in one of the world’s most vital oil transit routes.
