Oman Evacuates Tanker Crew as Iran Claims Spate of New Attacks

Tensions remain high in the Persian Gulf, with Iran claiming multiple unverified attacks and the first report of a limpet mine attack in seven years. Data, however, has become unreliable on the actual number of attacks because more vessels continue to delay or not report incidents to UK Maritime Trade Operations or other monitors.

The Omani Navy, however, reported it had gone to the assistance of one tanker today, October 30, evacuating 25 crewmembers. It did not provide details but said the vessel had been targeted and set ablaze.

Multiple reports identify the tanker as the Riti (166,729 dwt), operating under the Panama flag and managed from Hong Kong. The image shows a laden tanker. Orbital Risk Intelligence says the vessel was outbound near Oman when it was struck by an Iranian missile.

Attention, however, was focused on a second attack that took place about 25 nautical miles northeast of Oman. An outbound tanker, now identified as the Panama-flagged Suezmax Louise 1, in a now-confirmed incident, reported that it was approached by a small boat that attached two limpet mines to the hull above the waterline. The explosion caused a fire, which the crew was able to extinguish. The tanker, while apparently damaged, was able to proceed under its own power.

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