A fatal incident occurred in the Strait of Hormuz when two oil tankers operated by the UAE were struck, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to eight others. According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, the vessels, named Mombasa and Al Bahyah, were targeted by Iranian cruise missiles as they navigated the southern route of the crucial maritime passage. The attack claimed the life of an Indian national aboard the Mombasa and left four of the injured in serious condition.
The UAE condemned the missile strike, labeling it a severe breach of international law that endangers regional security and the safety of maritime navigation. The damaged tankers have further escalated tensions in the already volatile region, prompting concerns over the security of oil shipments through this strategic waterway. In response, global oil prices have surged to a four-week high.
Efforts to rescue the affected crew members were undertaken by Oman’s Maritime Security Centre, which reported that 18 individuals from the Al Bahyah were successfully saved, though three crew members remain unaccounted for. This development has added urgency to the ongoing rescue operations and investigations into the incident.
India, which confirmed that out of the 46 crew members, 30 were Indian nationals, has expressed its condemnation of the attack. The Indian government has conveyed its condolences over the loss of life and is actively collaborating with local authorities to provide assistance to those impacted by the incident.