Two tankers came under attack off the coast of Oman on 20 July, just hours apart, highlighting growing security risks for commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
The first incident involved the Malta-flagged product tanker Kavomaleas, managed by Greece’s Dynacom Tankers. The vessel was struck by two projectiles about eight nautical miles northwest of Kumzar while sailing through the southern shipping lane. The impacts started an engine-room fire that the crew could not extinguish despite using the ship’s fixed firefighting system. The master ordered the crew to abandon ship, and Omani authorities rescued all seafarers safely. The tanker remained adrift with the fire still burning.
A few hours later, the Kuwaiti crude oil tanker Kaifan, owned by Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC), sent a distress call after an unidentified projectile hit the vessel about eight nautical miles northeast of Limah. Security consultancy EOS Risk Group said the projectile was believed to be either a drone or a missile. The strike also caused an engine-room fire, forcing the crew to abandon ship. No casualties or pollution were reported.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed both incidents and warned ships in the area to remain alert while investigations continue. Authorities have not identified who launched the attacks, although they took place during another night of U.S. strikes on Iranian military targets.
The attacks underline the worsening security situation in the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies. Shipping continues through the area under heightened security, while operators are urging crews to remain vigilant and closely follow UKMTO guidance.
