Offshore Tug Hit in Latest Attack in Strait of Hormuz

On Sunday evening, an Emirati-owned offshore tug was hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, somewhere northwest of the Musandam Peninsula. Security consultancy Vanguard Tech has identified the vessel as the UAE-owned Selat Storm, an older offshore tug / supply ship of about 1,300 dwt.

The incident occurred just after 1500 hours UTC, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). AIS data shows that the tug had just departed Al Hamriyah, UAE, where it had been at berth for weeks.

The master of a passing vessel received the ship's radio mayday call and relayed it to the authorities. The Selat Storm was reported to be "partially sinking," Vanguard Tech said.

The status of the vessel's crew was not reported. It was the second likely Iranian attack on a tug in the Strait of Hormuz since October 18, when a projectile hit the Dutch-flagged tug JIF Barracuda - illustrating the hazards of the narrow waterway for vessels of all classes. The two tugs' activities at the time of the strikes have not been reported, but the high count of disabled and damaged tankers in the strait - at least four since last Thursday alone - implies an abundant need for salvage towing.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →