GoKawiilIRAN has claimed responsibility for an attack on two oil tankers anchored in Iraqi territorial waters, as conflicts in the region continue to escalate and strikes on commercial shipping spread beyond the Strait of Hormuz.
Iraq’s State Organization for Marketing of Oil identified the two vessels as the 73,976 dwt crude oil tanker Safesea Vishnu (IMO: 9327009) and the 50,155 dwt combined chemical and oil tanker Zefyros (IMO: 9515917).
According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence data, Safesea Vishnu is beneficially owned by US-based Safesea Group, while Zefyros is beneficially owned by Greece’s George & Vassilis Michael family group of companies.
Both were struck by what Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB described as an “underwater drone attack” on the evening of March 11, while anchored about five nautical miles south of Basrah.
At least one crew member is confirmed dead. Iraqi authorities reported that 38 crew members of foreign nationalities were rescued from the two vessels, though details on injuries and the identity of the deceased have not been released.
Verified footage shows both tankers ablaze, with flames spreading on to the surrounding water — likely the result of an oil spill, though no environmental impact had been officially confirmed at the time of writing.
BREAKING:
Iran just struck a large oil tanker in Iraqi territorial waters.
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