A tragic incident in the Strait of Hormuz has left one crew member dead and eight others injured after two oil tankers operated by the United Arab Emirates were attacked. According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, the vessels, named Mombasa and Al Bahyah, were struck by Iranian cruise missiles while navigating the southern passage of this crucial maritime route.
The attack resulted in the death of an Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa, while four out of the eight injured sustained serious injuries. Both tankers suffered extensive damage from the strikes. The UAE condemned the attack, calling it a grave violation of international law that poses a threat to regional security and maritime navigation.
Oman’s Maritime Security Centre reported that 18 crew members from the Al Bahyah were rescued following the incident, although three individuals remain unaccounted for. The Indian government, which confirmed that 30 of the 46 crew members across both vessels were Indian nationals, expressed its condemnation of the attack. Indian authorities extended their condolences to the bereaved family and are reportedly collaborating with local officials to support those impacted by the event.
This latest incident has exacerbated tensions in the already volatile region, triggering a surge in global oil prices to their highest level in four weeks. Concerns are mounting over the security of the shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for the global oil supply.