MaritimeSecurity – Tanker Fires Reported After Projectile Strikes Near Iraq’s Basra Coast
MaritimeSecurity – A series of maritime incidents in the northern Persian Gulf has raised fresh concerns about the safety of commercial shipping routes. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued an urgent alert after receiving reports that two oil tankers were struck by unidentified projectiles near the Iraqi port city of Basra. Authorities say the attacks caused fires onboard both vessels, although crews were safely evacuated and no environmental damage has been reported so far.
Shipping authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while urging vessels operating in the region to remain cautious.
Maritime Incident Reported Near Basra
According to updates released by UKMTO, the first reports came from a company security officer and an external maritime source indicating that two tankers had been hit roughly five nautical miles south of Basra. The attack reportedly involved projectiles of unknown origin.
Officials later confirmed that one of the affected tankers caught fire following the impact. The ship’s security officer informed authorities that the crew had been evacuated safely despite the onboard blaze. The vessel sustained damage, but early assessments suggested the situation was under control.
Second Tanker Also Damaged
A short time later, authorities confirmed that another tanker in the same area had also been struck. Similar to the first vessel, the second ship experienced a fire after the strike.
The security officer of the second vessel confirmed that all crew members had been evacuated without injuries. Emergency responses were initiated to control the fire and assess damage to the ship.
UKMTO stated that, despite the seriousness of the incidents, there have been no immediate reports of pollution or environmental harm in the surrounding waters.
Advisory Issued for Ships in the Region
Following the attacks, UKMTO issued a safety advisory to commercial vessels operating in nearby waters. Ship operators were urged to move through the area with heightened caution and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
Authorities are also working to verify details regarding the second tanker involved in the incident and are continuing to gather information from ships operating nearby.
Container Ship Incident Near UAE
In a separate development, another vessel reportedly came under attack farther south in the Gulf. A container ship located about 35 nautical miles north of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates was reportedly struck by an unidentified projectile.
The ship’s master reported that the strike triggered a small fire onboard. However, officials confirmed that the crew remained safe and the situation was brought under control without serious consequences.
Rising Tensions in Regional Waters
The latest incidents come amid increasing geopolitical tensions across the Middle East. Reports from Turkey’s Anadolu Agency indicated that a foreign oil tanker caught fire in waters near Basra following an alleged attack close to the port of Umm Qasr.
Video footage shared widely online showed flames rising from the vessel, with a large blaze visible from a distance before the ship appeared engulfed in fire. A dramatic fireball was also seen during the incident, although independent verification of the video remains ongoing.
Previous Maritime Attacks Add to Concerns
Recent weeks have already seen several maritime security incidents in the region. On March 1, a crude oil tanker identified as MKD VYOM was targeted in a drone strike roughly 44 nautical miles off the coast of Oman.
The attack resulted in an explosion and a fire in the engine room after an unmanned surface vessel reportedly hit the tanker above the waterline. One crew member was killed during the incident.
Another event involved the Bahamas-flagged tanker Sonangol Namibe, which was reportedly struck by a small craft while anchored near Iraq’s Khor al Zubair port.
India Raises Concerns Over Shipping Safety
India has also expressed concern about attacks targeting commercial shipping. The country’s Ministry of External Affairs criticized the growing trend after the Thai vessel Mayuree Naree, which was heading toward India, was hit by two projectiles while passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Indian officials warned that repeated attacks on merchant ships threaten the safety of seafarers and risk disrupting critical global trade routes.
International Response Under Discussion
Amid the escalating maritime risks, discussions are reportedly underway among Western military officials regarding possible measures to protect shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf. One proposal reportedly involves targeting vessels suspected of laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic route for global oil shipments.
Security agencies and naval forces in the region continue to monitor developments closely as investigations into the recent tanker attacks proceed.