Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 31: A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker carrying 27 Indian seafarers was struck by limpet mines in the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a fire in its engine room and temporarily disabling the vessel. All crew members are safe, and the tanker has since resumed its voyage, according to reports.
The vessel, identified as MT LOUISE 1, was targeted by a small craft that allegedly attached two limpet mines to its hull while it was transiting the strategic waterway, Reuters reported, citing maritime security sources.
The subsequent explosions triggered a fire in the engine room. However, the crew managed to extinguish the blaze and restore the vessel's operations. No environmental damage was reported, and the tanker continued towards its next port of call.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British naval agency, said the incident occurred on Thursday, around 25 nautical miles (46 km) northeast of Khasab in Oman. Although UKMTO did not identify the vessel, maritime security sources identified it as MT LOUISE 1. The identity of those behind the attack remains unclear.
The incident marks the first known successful use of limpet mines against a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Iran conflict began in February. A previous attempt in September reportedly failed after the explosives did not detonate.
Limpet mines are explosive devices attached directly to a ship's hull, often using magnets or clamps. Greece-based maritime risk management group Marisks described them as inexpensive and relatively easy to obtain.
"The methodology of a small craft attaching these mines on the hulls of vessels in transit is cheap, low tech and very efficient," the group told Reuters.
Marisks said the devices were first deployed in the region in 2017 and were subsequently used in attacks on tankers navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
Second tanker also targeted
The incident came a day after another vessel, the Liberia-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC) MT ARZANAH, carrying two Indian nationals, was targeted by projectiles while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz on October 29.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that all 29 Indian seafarers aboard the two vessels were safe and had sustained no injuries.
In a post on X, Sonowal said the government was continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating with the ship management companies to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian crew members.
The two incidents have renewed concerns over the security of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil supplies.