More Attacks Reported in Strait of Hormuz
Four commercial vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on September 28 and 29. The reports appeared only later, making it difficult to get a full picture of the incidents. No seafarers were reported injured, while the extent of damage to the vessels was not immediately clear. The Maritime Telegraph reports.
The first incident happened on September 28, when an unknown projectile hit the Kuwait-flagged crude tanker MV Al Funtas. A fire broke out after the impact, but the crew put it out and the tanker continued sailing.
Three more attacks were reported on September 29. UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said unknown projectiles hit three tankers. The vessels were later identified as MV Mersin Prosperity, MV Sinbad and LNG tanker MV Al Ruwais.
UKMTO published the reports on September 30, but did not initially provide the names of the ships or details about the damage. Reuters also reported that the three vessels linked to the September 29 attacks were sailing through the strait with their AIS signals switched off. This made it harder to track their movements and understand exactly what happened.
The attacks come as ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is starting to increase again. LNG carriers connected to Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal have been seen leaving the Gulf.
