A Greek-owned oil tanker, the Velos Sapphire, registered under the Marshall Islands flag, was struck by a missile while traveling through the Persian Gulf, resulting in the death of a crew member. The incident occurred early Thursday as the vessel was en route to the Bahrain port of Sitra, according to a statement from Velos Tankers, the Athens-based company that owns the ship.
Details of the Incident
The Velos Sapphire was not carrying any cargo at the time of the attack. Initially, the nationality of the deceased sailor was not disclosed. The tanker was hit by what is believed to be an unidentified projectile, which caused an explosion and a subsequent fire. Fortunately, the crew managed to extinguish the flames, as reported by the company.
Following the attack, the tanker continued its journey to the port of Khalifa Bin Salman in Bahrain. No further injuries among the crew were reported, the company confirmed.
Wider Regional Tensions
The incident is part of escalating tensions in the region, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. On Friday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reported that two oil tankers had caught fire in the strait, following Tehran’s claims that five other tankers had faced similar incidents.
Since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, Tehran has attempted to restrict maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical channel that facilitates about 20% of the world’s oil consumption. In response, the United States has enforced a blockade on Iranian ports and has been escorting tankers through the strait to ensure safety.
In a statement last month, the US Central Command revealed that it had assisted Gulf nations in exporting 1.5 billion barrels of oil through Hormuz since the summer. They also confirmed that all mines had been cleared from the waterway, aiming to secure the passage for international shipping.
This attack on the Velos Sapphire highlights the ongoing risks and the fragile security situation in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.
Source: NDTV India
