Hong Kong tanker attacked in Hormuz even as peace deal looms

UKMTO said a tanker was struck on the port bow an unknown projectile 6 nm east of Oman reported at 02:30 hrs local time on 13 June. Maritime security firm Vanguard Tech said the vessel involved was a Hong Kong-flagged tanker transiting outbound through the Strait of Hormuz via the southern traffic corridor. The southern traffic corridor is where vessel’s receive transits guided by the US Navy.   “The impact reportedly occurred on the vessel's port bow, causing damage in the ballast tank area and resulting in cargo leakage,” Vanguard said.

Although there was cargo leakage no environmental pollution was reported and the crew safe. Vanguard said the vessel continued on its voyage and proceeded to anchorage at Fujairah for further assessment of damage.          Authorities are investigating the incident.

The attack comes as reports say a peace deal between the US and Iran could be signed with 24 hours which would include Iran re-opening the Strait of Hormuz and the US lifting its blockade of Iranian ports.     

In the last week US naval forces struck three tankers in the space of three days for breaking the blockade. The attack on tanker Settebello with a Hellfire missile resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers.      The attacks were condemned by global shipping industry organisations Bimco, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Intercargo and Intertanko. “There is grave concern about the recent escalation of the conflict which puts the lives of our seafarers at risk, compromises the safety of international shipping and restricts freedom of navigation,” the organisations said on 12 June.