Tanker incident in Hormuz strait
The gist
Multiple tankers and a Qatari LNG carrier were hit by unidentified projectiles in and around the Strait of Hormuz, forcing 25 seafarers to evacuate.
The attacks persist even as the US says main transit lanes are cleared of mines.
How it unfolded
- Oct 25, 2026CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper visited the Strait of Hormuz; a command statement said more than 3,000 commercial vessels had passed through with CENTCOM support over the preceding six months.
- Oct 28, 2026The VLCC ARZANAH was struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting outbound through the Strait of Hormuz, sustaining damage; its crew was reported safe.
- Oct 29, 2026The tanker RITI was struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting outbound near Khasab, Oman, causing a small fire and loss of propulsion, per a JMIC advisory. The tanker LOUISE 1 was attacked about 25 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, with a small boat reportedly attaching two explosive devices to its hull and causing an engine-room fire.
Key terms
- LNG carrier
- A tank ship designed to transport liquefied natural gas at cryogenic temperatures using insulated containment systems.
- Strait of Hormuz
- A narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, bordered by Iran and Oman.
Source: Wikipedia