.png)
The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MKD Vyon was struck by a projectile in the Gulf of Oman, killing one crew member, ship manager V.Ships Asia confirmed.
The attack occurred on 1 March, approximately 44 nautical miles northwest of Muscat, while the 74,032-dwt tanker was en route from Amsterdam to Ras Tanura. The vessel was reportedly struck near the engine room by either a drone or missile, triggering a fire and causing hull damage.
The crew brought the fire under control and the vessel remained afloat. However, one seafarer who was in the engine room at the time of the impact was killed. No other injuries were reported.
Initial assessments indicate the tanker remained under command and there was no reported pollution. According to AIS data from ShipAtlas, the vessel dramatically reduced speed from 12 knots to 5 knots in the early hours of March 1 and made a sharp starboard turn at the time of the incident. Since then, it has been moving at approximately 1 knot, suggesting it may be drifting. Arrangements are being made to tow the vessel to a safe location.
The UKMTO confirmed the strike. Online sources have suggested the projectile may have originated from the Iranian shoreline, though authorities have not formally attributed responsibility.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
