A tragic incident unfolded in the Strait of Hormuz as two oil tankers operated by the United Arab Emirates were struck, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to eight others. The UAE Ministry of Defence reported that the vessels, identified as Mombasa and Al Bahyah, were targeted by Iranian cruise missiles while navigating the crucial southern passage of the waterway. The attack claimed the life of an Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa, while four of the injured sustained serious injuries.
The UAE authorities condemned the missile strikes, labeling them a grave breach of international law that poses a threat to regional security and the safety of maritime navigation. Both tankers reportedly suffered substantial damage. In response to the incident, Oman’s Maritime Security Centre announced that 18 crew members from the Al Bahyah were successfully rescued, although three individuals remain unaccounted for.
India, with 30 of the 46 crew members on the two vessels being Indian nationals, expressed strong condemnation of the attack. The Indian government extended condolences for the loss of life and assured that it is collaborating with local authorities to provide assistance to those affected by the incident.
This attack has further exacerbated tensions in an already volatile region, leading to a surge in global oil prices, which have reached a four-week high. The security of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies, remains a significant concern following these developments.