Asphalt Tanker Athe Nova Hit by Drones While Transiting Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for an drone strike on the asphalt tanker Athe Nova in the Strait of Hormuz.

The 2,915-dwt vessel, built in 1998, was reportedly struck by two drones and caught fire, according to maritime security firm Vanguard and reports cited by AFP.

AIS data from ShipAtlas shows the tanker was operating in the Persian Gulf before its signal went dark during transit through the Strait. The vessel later reappeared on AIS in the Gulf of Oman, indicating it had exited the chokepoint following the incident.

There are no confirmed reports of casualties or pollution.

The strike adds to mounting maritime security tensions in one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.