In brief
A large Saudi supertanker named Sidr was struck by unknown projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, killing two Filipino crew members. The incident coincided with renewed Iranian missile and drone attacks on shipping lanes during an ongoing escalation in the region. Saudi Arabia condemned the attack and called for an end to hostilities, while Iran remains silent. Maritime security firms reported similar strikes on another South Korean tanker, underscoring the growing risks to commercial navigation.
Saudi Tanker Attack Kills Two Filipino Sailors
\A Saudi-owned supertanker, the Sidr, was struck by unknown projectiles north of Oman's Musandam Peninsula while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, and two Filipino crew members lost their lives.
\Bahri, the Saudi shipping company, confirmed the incident and extended condolences to the sailors’ families. The company described the event as a “security incident” that occurred a few hours before midnight local time.
\The attack took place amid a broader flare‑up in the region, with US forces carrying out air strikes on Iranian forces and Iran reportedly responding with missiles and drones against targets in neighboring Arab states.
\Maritime security firms Marisks and Kpler reported that the Sidr, carrying 2 million barrels of Saudi crude, was hit by a projectile 30 kilometres north‑east of Khasab, Oman. A South‑Korean tanker, the Senegal Prosperity, was struck in a nearby area at roughly the same time.
\Iran has not commented on the Saudi allegation, but earlier indicated that two tankers had hit mines while using an und‑approved route through the strait. The United States has stated that the strait remains open and is assisting ships in safer navigation routes.
\ \ \The incident underscores the fragility of global oil supply chains and the stakes for maritime security in a conflict‑ridden region. Nations are urging restraint, while commercial operators face increasing risks of vessel collisions or attacks in the narrow waters of the strait.
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