Tanker of US Interests Attacked in the Gulf

A tanker of US interests, the Safesea Vishnu, was attacked by unmanned explosive-laden boats in an Iraqi port. The ship Zefyros was also hit in the same attack.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at the port of Khor Al Zubair. According to initial findings, two unmanned boats filled with explosives caused an explosion on the Safesea Vishnu, causing the left side of the ship to burst into flames. The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel was involved in loading 53,000 metric tons of naphtha.

The 28 crew members jumped into the water to escape. One sailor died, while the remaining 27 are safe and receiving assistance from the Indian Embassy in Iraq. The tanker has sunk and a rescue team has been dispatched.

The Zefyros, flying the flag of Malta, was also hit. All 23 crew members were safely evacuated.

Safesea has called on governments and the international community to take measures for the safety of commercial shipping lanes.

According to the World Shipping Council, approximately 20,000 seafarers face a dangerous security situation in the region.