AT least five ships were attacked in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, further intensifying the ongoing conflict between Iran and US-Israeli forces, maritime security sources and port officials reported.
Explosive-laden boats struck two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, setting them ablaze and killing one crew member, while projectiles hit three other vessels in the wider Gulf.
The ships targeted in the late-night attacks included the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros, both carrying fuel cargoes loaded in Iraq, according to two Iraqi port officials.
Rescue teams recovered the body of a foreign crew member from the water, though it was not immediately clear which vessel he belonged to. Efforts continue to locate other missing seafarers.
The Safesea Vishnu is operated by US-based Safesea Transport Group and beneficially by Safesea Group, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence.
Neither company immediately responded to requests for comment. Zefyros is reportedly flagged under Mediterranean sources, with crew details being verified by authorities.
The latest attacks bring the number of vessels struck in the Gulf since the February 28 US-Israel strikes on Iran to at least 16, according to maritime risk firms.
Shipping along the Gulf and the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly 20% of global oil exports, has nearly come to a halt, pushing global oil prices to levels not seen since 2022.
The Gulf of Hormuz has long been a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions due to its critical role in global oil supply.
The recent spike in attacks highlights the heightened risks to commercial shipping as the Iran-US-Israel conflict escalates, putting merchant vessels on the frontlines and threatening international trade.