Two UAE-linked tankers came under missile attack while transiting the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz on July 13. One Indian seafarer was killed, eight crewmembers were injured and both vessels were damaged.
According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, Iranian cruise missiles struck the tankers Mombasa B and Al Bahyah in Omani territorial waters. One Indian crewmember aboard MV Mombasa B was killed. Eight others were injured, including four seriously. The injured included six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals.
The missile strikes caused fires on both tankers, but the crews brought them under control. The vessels also suffered structural damage, although authorities did not disclose its extent.
The UAE condemned the attack as a “serious violation” of international law and said it reserved the right to respond. The ministry added that the armed forces remain on high alert and will take all necessary measures to protect the country’s interests and maritime security.
Both MV Mombasa B and MV Al Bahyah have recently carried crude oil from terminals inside the Arabian Gulf to offshore transfer areas near Khor Fakkan. There, the cargo is transferred to other tankers for export. This trade has become increasingly important as operators look for ways to keep oil exports moving despite worsening regional security.
The attack is the latest escalation in the security crisis affecting commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz. In recent days, merchant vessels using Oman’s coastal transit route have also come under attack, despite the route being promoted as a safer alternative to the main traffic separation scheme.
