An attack on two oil tankers operated by the UAE in the Strait of Hormuz resulted in the death of one crew member and injuries to eight others, as confirmed by the UAE Ministry of Defence. The tankers, named Mombasa and Al Bahyah, were reportedly targeted by Iranian cruise missiles while navigating the southern route of this crucial maritime passage.
The assault claimed the life of an Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa and left four of the eight injured personnel with serious injuries. The UAE government condemned the missile strikes as a grave breach of international law, emphasizing the threat it poses to regional security and the safety of maritime navigation.
In the aftermath, Oman’s Maritime Security Centre announced the successful rescue of 18 crew members from the Al Bahyah, while efforts continue to locate three individuals who remain missing. Most of the crew members on both vessels were Indian, with India confirming that 30 out of the 46 crew members hail from its nation. The Indian government has strongly decried the attack, extended sympathies over the loss, and is collaborating with local authorities to support the affected individuals.
The incident has further escalated tensions in the already volatile region, impacting global oil markets by driving prices to a four-week high. The increased insecurity surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for oil shipments, has stoked fears about the safe passage of vessels through this strategic waterway.