Finance
Tanker was attacked in iraqi waters during transfer, operator says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 12, 2026
3 min readLast updated: March 12, 2026
Quick Summary
The Malta‑flagged tanker Zefyros was struck by a projectile during a ship‑to‑ship fuel transfer with Safesea Vishnu at Iraq’s Umm Qasar anchorage on March 11. All 23 crew are safe; port operations halted amid rising regional risks.
Tanker Struck by Projectile During Fuel Transfer in Iraqi Waters, Crew Safe
Incident Overview and Regional Security Concerns
Details of the Zefyros Tanker Incident
LONDON, March 12 (Reuters) - The Zefyros tanker was struck by a projectile overnight during a ship-to-ship transfer in Iraqi waters, its Greece-based manager said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at Iraq's Umm Qasar anchorage during a fuel cargo transfer with the Safesea Vishnu tanker late on Wednesday, Benetech Shipping SA said.
Crew Safety and Vessel Assessment
"All 23 crew members are safe and accounted for. They have been evacuated and were brought to shore," it said in a statement, adding the vessel's condition was being assessed.
Charter and Cargo Details
The Safesea Vishnu was chartered by an Iraqi company contracted with the State Organization for Marketing of Oil, SOMO said, adding the Zefyros was loaded with condensate products from Basra Gas Company and was in a ship-to-ship loading area in Iraqi waters.
Wider Security Situation in the Gulf
Recent Attacks on Shipping
At least 16 tankers and other vessels have come under attack in the Gulf during the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran while hundreds more have dropped anchor due to Tehran's threat to attack nearby shipping.
Explosives-Laden Iranian Boats
Explosives-laden Iranian boats appeared to have attacked the two tankers in Iraqi waters on Wednesday, setting them ablaze and killing one crew member, according to sources.
Impact on Seafarers
Around 20,000 seafarers aboard vessels operating in the region face "a dangerous and highly uncertain security situation", said Joe Kramek, president and chief executive of the World Shipping Council.
"Seafarers are not part of this conflict, yet they are increasingly caught in its path."
Other Recent Maritime Incidents
Attack on Thai-Flagged Mayuree Naree
Thailand's foreign ministry said it had conveyed its "strongest protest" to Iran's ambassador after two projectiles of unknown origin struck the Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree dry bulk vessel on Wednesday, causing a fire and damaging the engine room. The ministry said the Iranian ambassador expressed condolences and gave assurances to promptly convey Thailand’s protest to Tehran. German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd said on Thursday that projectile fragments hit container vessel Source Blessing near the Strait of Hormuz at the southern tip of the Gulf near Iran.
Incident Involving Source Blessing
It said the ship, which chartered to Danish container line Maersk, was not directly hit but had caught fire. All crew were safe, it said.
(Reporting by Jonathan Saul, Renee Maltezou and Bangkok bureau; editing by Jason Neely)
Key Takeaways
- •Zefyros and Safesea Vishnu were attacked during a ship‑to‑ship transfer in Iraqi territorial waters near Umm Qasar, prompting evacuation of 23 crew members and suspension of oil‑terminal operations. (uk.finance.yahoo.com)
- •The incident follows a wave of at least 16 attacks on Gulf shipping amid the U.S.‑Israeli‑Iran war, contributing to a near‑standstill in Strait of Hormuz traffic and heightening global energy insecurity. (jpost.com)
- •The U.S. destroyed 16 Iranian mine‑laying vessels on March 11 in response to threats closing the Strait of Hormuz, while global oil prices surged to near $100 a barrel due to supply fears. (apnews.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Tanker was attacked in Iraqi waters during transfer, operator says
1What happened to the Zefyros tanker in Iraqi waters?
The Zefyros tanker was attacked overnight by a projectile during a ship-to-ship fuel transfer at Umm Qasar anchorage in Iraqi waters.
2Were there any casualties reported in the tanker attack?
All 23 crew members of the Zefyros tanker were safely evacuated, but other attacks in the region resulted in at least one reported death.
3Which other vessels have been affected by recent attacks in the Gulf?
Vessels such as the Safesea Vishnu, Mayuree Naree, and Source Blessing have also been recently attacked or damaged in the Gulf region.
4What are the broader impacts of these maritime attacks?
Such attacks have caused security concerns, impacting shipping traffic and placing around 20,000 seafarers at risk in the region.
5How are international authorities responding to these incidents?
Countries like Thailand have lodged strong protests, and organizations like the World Shipping Council have raised concerns for seafarer safety.
