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Tanker Ablaze After Explosive Boat Attack
14 Mar
Summary
- Two explosive boats attacked the Safesea Vishnu tanker, causing a major fire.
- The vessel's 28 crew members jumped into water to escape the inferno.
- One crew member died, while 27 others are safe and receiving assistance.
An explosive-laden, unmanned boat rammed the Safesea Vishnu tanker at an Iraqi seaport on Wednesday, causing a fiery blast that engulfed the vessel. The U.S.-based owner stated the attack appeared deliberate and calculated, following numerous other maritime assaults in the Gulf region. The tanker was anchored and engaged in loading naphtha when the assault occurred.
The vessel's 28 crew members, with no time to deploy lifeboats, were forced to jump into the water to escape the burning ship. Sadly, one crew member perished in the incident. The remaining 27 are safe and receiving assistance, while a salvage team works to stabilize the tanker. The incident has prompted calls for governments and authorities to ensure commercial shipping lanes do not become conflict zones. The Malta-flagged Zefyros, also involved in the transfer, was struck by a projectile. Its 23 crew members were safely evacuated. The World Shipping Council indicates around 20,000 seafarers face a highly uncertain security situation in the region, underscoring the grave risks involved in maritime operations.
