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Bahri said in a statement that its vessel SIDR was involved in a security incident late on August 31 while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The company confirmed the loss of two Filipino seafarers as a result of the attack and expressed profound sadness over the deaths. Bahri added that it remains in continuous contact with the vessel while coordinating with relevant authorities and maritime stakeholders as it monitors developments. The statement offered condolences and support to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased crew members.
A maritime security agency reported that a tanker was struck by three unknown projectiles while outbound through the Strait of Hormuz on the day of the incident, according to Reuters. Greek maritime risk management firm Marisks separately noted that unidentified projectiles hit two oil tankers in the waterway overnight from August 31 to September 1. Both vessels had loaded crude at Saudi Arabia’s Juaymah terminal the previous week, data from Kpler showed.
The incident forms part of heightened tensions in which Iran has threatened tankers attempting to transit the narrow waterway without authorisation, Reuters reported. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed on September 2 that two oil tankers caught fire after striking mines in the strait. Fresh violence has flared between the United States and Iran this week, with Tehran hitting back in the Gulf mainly targeting US assets.
Bahri has faced repeated threats in recent months. A month earlier its Wedyan supertanker was hit near the strait while sailing close to Oman’s coast. Two other company vessels, AMZAN and MASA, were attacked in the Red Sea after Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia.
The International Maritime Organisation verified at least 70 attacks on ships in the region with 19 seafarers killed by August 28, The National reported. Thousands of seafarers have been caught up in the conflict that broke out in late February. The Strait of Hormuz carries about one fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas, Al Arabiya English noted amid the disruptions.
The safety and well-being of its people remain Bahri’s highest priority as the company continues to operate its fleet, the statement said. Bahri has not released further details on the precise circumstances of the SIDR attack or the identities of the two seafarers who died. Philippine authorities have been informed of the deaths involving their nationals aboard the Saudi-flagged tanker.
