/ X

Two Tankers Zefyros and Safesea Vishnu Hit During Suspected STS Operation Off Iraq

Two tankers were struck during an incident in Iraqi waters near Al Basrah, reportedly while conducting a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operation.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the incident occurred about 5 nautical miles south of Al Basrah, where a fire broke out aboard one vessel following the strike. The crew evacuated safely.

Tracking analysis indicated the vessels involved were the chemical/product tankers Zefyros and Safesea Vishnu, which appeared positioned alongside each other at the time of the incident, suggesting an ongoing STS transfer.

AIS data from ShipAltas showed the Malta-flagged Zefyros and the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu operating in close proximity when the attack occurred.

According to the Iraqi News Agency, 38 crew members were rescued, though one fatality was reported. Authorities subsequently ordered a temporary suspension of operations at all Iraqi oil terminals, according to officials from the General Company for Ports of Iraq.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Ports mentioned in this article:
Back to all news