Commercial tanker struck by drone in Strait of Hormuz; UKMTO issues navigation advisory
Portsmouth, August 14
A commercial tanker was hit by an uncrewed aerial vehicle while conducting an outbound transit through the Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations stated in a warning notice issued Friday.
Citing reports from military authorities regarding the August 13 incident, the UK agency confirmed that the vessel sustained minor damage.
All crew members on board have been reported safe and accounted for, and no environmental spill or impact has been observed following the strike.
"UKMTO has received reports from Military Authorities that a tanker was struck by a Uncrewed Ariel Vehicle (UAV) whilst conducting an outbound transit of the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was subject to minor damage, crew are reported as safe and accounted for and no environmental impact has been reported," the UKMTO stated in advisory posted on X.
Following the incident, the maritime monitoring body advised all commercial vessels transiting the strategic shipping channel to exercise heightened caution and immediately report any suspicious maritime activity.
Earlier, the United Arab Emirates issued strong condemnation of an Iranian attack targeting two commercial vessels affiliated with the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in the Strait of Hormuz.
In an official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE highlighted that the assault represents a flagrant violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which underscores "the importance of freedom of navigation, and rejected the targeting of commercial vessels or the obstruction of international maritime routes."
The ministry noted that no injuries were reported in the incident.
Characterising the aggression as maritime intimidation, the Ministry recognised that targeting merchant vessels and leveraging the Strait of Hormuz constitutes acts of piracy by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
"Targeting commercial shipping and using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of economic coercion or blackmail represents acts of piracy by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, and constitutes a direct threat to the stability of the region, its peoples, and global energy security," the statement read.
The UAE warned that such hostile acts pose a direct and severe threat to regional stability, the safety of coastal populations, and the security of global energy supplies.
Reiterating its call for international compliance, the UAE stressed "the need for Iran to halt these unprovoked attacks, ensure its full commitment to an immediate cessation of all hostilities, and the complete and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in order to safeguard regional security and maintain the stability of the global economy and trade."
On the other hand, Iran blamed what it called "foreign military aggression" for oil pollution along the shores of Qeshm Island, alleging that contamination in the Persian Gulf is another consequence of military activity in the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, in a veiled reference, accused the military strikes by the US and its allied partners in the region of the oil spillage, arguing that the environmental damage highlights the need for Iran, as a key coastal state, to establish and enforce a management framework for the strategic waterways.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Thank God the crew is safe. But this constant tension in the Gulf is scary. Our sailors and merchants risk their lives every day just to keep the world's supply chains moving. The international community must condemn these acts strongly and ensure freedom of navigation, as the UAE rightly said.
The blame game between Iran and the West is getting old. One blames the other, but the real victims are innocent sailors and the global economy. India should use its diplomatic channels to push for de-escalation. We can't afford a major conflict near our oil supply routes.
Freedom of navigation is a principle that benefits everyone, not just the US or UAE. Attacks like these are clear violations of international law. Glad the international maritime bodies are taking heed and issuing advisories. Hopefully diplomacy prevails soon.
As an Indian, this news hits home because a huge percentage of our oil imports come through this route. Any disruption means higher fuel prices, and common citizens will suffer. I really hope the Indian government is engaging with all stakeholders to ensure the safety of shipping lanes. 🙏
The UAE calling out the IRGC as pirates is a bold but accurate statement. When commercial ships are attacked, it's actually terrorism against the global economy. I appreciate the UAE for taking a clear stand while others remain ambiguous.
N We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.