Panama-Flagged Tanker Aqua 1 Struck by Two Projectiles 17NM North of Doha, Fire Extinguished

The Panama-flagged tanker Aqua 1 (47,900 DWT, built 2010) was struck by two projectiles approximately 17 nautical miles north of Doha, Qatar, UKMTO reported. One projectile caused a fire on the port side of the vessel; the crew extinguished the blaze. A second projectile is lodged in the engine room and is under investigation by authorities. All crew are reported safe.

Both strikes hit the port side of the hull above the waterline. Ship manager Thome confirmed the incident on Wednesday. Security sources indicated the vessel was struck by a drone. No pollution has been reported.

The attack on Aqua 1 is the third strike on vessels in the Arabian Gulf within 24 hours. On March 31, the Kuwait-flagged VLCC Al-Salmi was attacked while at anchor 31 nautical miles northwest of Dubai, causing a fire on the fully laden tanker. That fire has since been extinguished and the crew are safe, with no pollution reported. Separately, the container ship Express Rome reported a near miss from two projectiles while 22 nautical miles off Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia; both projectiles struck the water close to the vessel and the crew were unharmed.

UKMTO is coordinating with regional authorities. Investigation into the lodged projectile aboard Aqua 1 is ongoing.