• MILITARY: Brazil-France submarine programme (Graphic DUE Mar 28, 15:00GMT)
  • SPACE: Calls for protected moon sites (Graphic DUE Mar 28, 16:00GMT)
  • ACCIDENT: Why did Baltimore bridge collapse? (Graphic DUE Mar 28, 17:30GMT)
  • For full details of graphics available/in preparation, see Menu -> Planners
 Two tankers struck in Gulf of Oman infographic
Graphic shows area of alleged attack and shipping lanes in Strait of Hormuz.
GN39221EN

MIDEAST

Two tankers struck in suspected attacks in Gulf of Oman

By Jordi Bou

June 13, 2019 - Two oil tankers were hit and their crews evacuated in suspected attacks in the Gulf of Oman, one month after a similar incident in which four tankers in the region were struck.

Benchmark Brent crude spiked at one point by as much 4% in trading following the reported attack, to over $62 a barrel, highlighting how crucial the area remains to global energy supplies.

A third of all oil traded by sea passes through the strait, which is the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf.

The latest incident in the region comes after the U.S. alleged that Iran used mines to attack four oil tankers off the nearby Emirati port of Fujairah last month. Iran has denied being involved.

The firm that operates the Front Altair said that an explosion was the cause of the fire onboard. Its crew of 23 is safe after being evacuated by the nearby Hyundai Dubai vessel, it said.

The second vessel was identified as the Kokuka Courageous. BSM Ship Management said it sustained hull damage and 21 sailors had been evacuated, with one suffering minor injuries.

Iranian state television said 44 sailors from the two tankers have been transferred to an Iranian port in the southern province of Hormozgan.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 13/06/2019; STORY: Graphic News
Advertisement