Two explosive-laden unmanned vessels rammed the ship

According to SV Anchan, chairman of Safesea Group, the attack occurred just before midnight while the ship was receiving 53,000 tons of naphtha, a highly flammable petroleum fuel. He stated:
  • two explosive-laden unmanned vessels rammed the port side of the ship
  • the explosion caused the ship to catch fire violently
The attack was described as “calculated and deliberate.”

28 sailors forced to jump overboard

As fire spread rapidly across the ship:
  • the port side lifeboats could not be lowered due to the fire
  • the starboard side was blocked by a transshipment vessel
Later, the transshipment vessel's mooring lines snapped, creating the only space for escape. In a life-or-death moment:
  • 28 sailors had to jump into the sea in the middle of the night
  • the Iraqi Coast Guard and local authorities conducted the rescue
Results:

Commercial shipping becomes a target

Anchan argued that civilian sailors are being put in danger due to geopolitical conflicts. He said: “These people are not soldiers. They are just cargo transporters who help the world economy function.” He called on the international community to ensure commercial transport routes do not become a battlefield as oil prices surged after Middle East attacks disrupted global energy supplies.

Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

According to international reports: at least 16 commercial vessels have been attacked in the Persian Gulf since the US military campaign against Iran began in late February, a time when Western officials warned of the day of the most intense attacks on Iran in response to escalating actions. The US has attacked several Iranian mine-laying vessels and military facilities to protect maritime routes. Meanwhile, Iran's new leadership declared they could close the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil transit route, even as Tehran conducted naval exercises with Russia in the Strait of Hormuz to demonstrate power.

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