Another tanker catches fire near Hormuz after two cargo ships sunk in attacks

Another Tanker Catches Fire Near Hormuz as Shipping Risks Grow

Poinews.com – Another tanker catches fire near Hormuz, adding to fears for commercial shipping after two cargo vessels sank in recent days. The latest blaze was reported on Thursday in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel entered an area Iran’s navy considers prohibited while its tracking equipment was switched off.

Iranian state media said naval monitoring teams saw the tanker burning in the eastern sector of the Strait of Hormuz. Officials did not immediately identify the ship, provide its flag, or confirm the condition of its crew. The cause of the fire was also unclear.

The incident followed reports of another tanker fire near the strait the previous day. That vessel had also stopped transmitting tracking data before the emergency. With limited information available, it was not known whether the two fires were connected or whether either tanker had been attacked.

Two Cargo Ships Have Sunk

The tanker fires come after two merchant vessels were lost in waters leading to the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. On Wednesday, the container ship GFS Pride sank after a fire spread on board. All 21 crew members were rescued.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the GFS Pride struck a sea mine, while maritime sources suggested an unidentified projectile may have been responsible. The conflicting accounts highlight the difficulty of independently verifying events in the region.

Another cargo vessel, the Cape Dao, also sank after previously being hit by a projectile. One crew member died in the original attack. Together with the reports that another tanker catches fire near Hormuz, the losses have increased concern among ship operators and seafarers.

Videos circulating online appeared to show mobile phones, luxury goods and other cargo floating in the water, with people in small boats collecting items. The authenticity, location and timing of the footage could not be independently confirmed.

Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global maritime chokepoint and the only sea route out of the Persian Gulf for many oil and cargo shipments. Disruption in its surrounding waters can affect voyage planning, insurance costs, cargo movements and the safety of crews.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard declared waters approaching the strait a prohibited zone in September, following comments by Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohbi said the area includes parts of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea near the entrance to the strait.

Iranian officials say vessels using the route must receive permission. Ali Azmayi, commander of the IRGC naval force, described Tehran’s policy as one of “smart control” over the waterway, amid US assertions that the passage remains open and under Washington’s control.

“smart control”

Tehran has warned that ships which breach its rules could face penalties. Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed in late February, at the start of the war with the United States, while Washington later imposed its own naval blockade on the route.

What Remains Unclear

Authorities had not explained why the latest tanker’s tracking system was disabled, how the fire began, or whether the crew sought assistance. US Central Command had not publicly commented on Thursday’s incident by the time of publication.

For crews travelling through the area, the reports that another tanker catches fire near Hormuz underline the rapidly changing risks. Suspected mines, projectiles, fires and floating debris can all make navigation through a narrow and heavily used sea corridor more dangerous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the latest tanker fire occur?

Iranian state media said the tanker was on fire in the Gulf of Oman, in the eastern sector near the Strait of Hormuz.

Were there confirmed casualties on the tanker?

No immediate information was released about the condition of those on board the tanker.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?

It is a crucial shipping passage for oil and other goods leaving the Persian Gulf, so any disruption can have consequences for international trade and maritime safety.