Symbolic imageTwo tankers hit mines in Hormuz, Iran says, as Qatari LNG carrier is struck
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday that two tankers exploded after hitting mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar reported that one of its LNG carriers was hit by unidentified objects.
The IRGC Navy spokesperson told state broadcaster IRIB on Sunday, 1 November, that the tankers used an unauthorized route with navigation and identification systems switched off, and that one, a supertanker, was engulfed in flames. The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre (UKMTO) separately reported that a tanker in the strait was hit by an unknown projectile earlier that day. The IRGC account is not independently confirmed in the sources, and the IMO chief says the strait remains unsafe, according to Bloomberg.
Qatari LNG carrier struck
Nakilat said its Al Mayeda was struck by unidentified objects on Friday evening, 30 October; no crew were hurt and the ship is operational. Qatar's foreign ministry called it a dangerous act and is investigating who is responsible. Saudi Arabia and the GCC condemned the attack, and Bahrain asked the UN Security Council to act.
October worst month for shipping
According to Al Jazeera, IMO and UKMTO data show more than 120 ships hit since February. October was the worst month, with at least 29 ships hit against 20 in March, and attacks have risen since the US reimposed a blockade on Iran's southern ports in July.