Two Tankers Struck in Hormuz and US Aircraft Disables Vessel Attempting to Break Blockade

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced that a tanker heading out of the Strait of Hormuz was struck on its port side by an unidentified projectile on October 11, according to "gCaptain". The agency added that a second tanker sailing in the same direction was hit on October 10 at around 19:20 GMT and caught fire, while the crews of both tankers were reported safe.

For its part, US Central Command stated that a US fighter aircraft hit the stern of the Panamanian vessel "Ocean Molika" (Arica Sun) with precision ordnance, disabling its propulsion, after its crew attempted to breach the US blockade imposed on Iranian ports.

Since July 14, Central Command has recorded the disabling of 4 vessels, forcing 135 vessels to turn back, and destroying 10 tankers linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to "gCaptain".

A second South Korean news outlet reported that the crew of the damaged tanker was unharmed, at a time when risks to shipping traffic are rising in one of the world's most vital oil corridors. The new incident follows a series of attacks on tankers in the strait over recent weeks, raising insurance costs and prompting companies to alter their routes.

What Do These Terms Mean?

Strait of Hormuz: A narrow waterway connecting the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, through which about one-fifth of global oil supplies pass.

Tanker: A ship designed to transport liquids such as oil, chemicals, or gas in specialized tanks.

Naval Blockade: Preventing ships from entering and leaving the ports of a specific state using naval or air force.