Saudi Arabia National Shipping Company (Bahri), the Kingdom’s shipping and logistics provider, said that two Filipino seafarers were killed in a security incident involving its vessel Sidr.
The incident occurred when the crude oil tanker (IMO No. 9854715) was transiting the Strait of Hormuz at approximately 23:40 local time on August 31, the company said on Wednesday.
“It is with profound sadness that Bahri confirms the loss of two of its Filipino seafarers as a result of the incident,” the company said in a statement. “The company extends its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to their families, loved ones, and colleagues during this difficult time, and is providing its full support to the families and colleagues affected by the incident.”
The company emphasized that it continues to maintain constant communication with the vessel and is coordinating with the relevant authorities while monitoring developments in the incident.
“Bahri remains in continuous contact with the vessel and is coordinating closely with the relevant authorities and maritime industry stakeholders, while continuing to closely monitor developments,” it said.
The company also highlighted that the safety and well-being of its employees remain a top priority, alongside the protection of the marine environment and the safe management of its vessels.
“The safety and well-being of Bahri’s people remain its highest priority, and the company remains committed to operating in accordance with the highest standards of safety, security, and environmental protection,” the company stated.
The incident comes amid heightened risks to commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Thousands of seafarers have been stuck in the Persian Gulf since the current conflict in the Middle East began on February 28 this year.
The International Maritime Organisation had recorded at least 70 attacks on international shipping and 19 seafarer deaths in the region, before the latest attack.
IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez urges practical solutions and renewed cooperation to restore freedom of navigation.
“While some ships and their crews have been able to leave the Persian Gulf, up to 400 ships carrying around 6,000 seafarers have been unable to depart safely since the conflict began,” he said.
US president Donald Trump said U.S. forces began striking Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, which he described as “large and powerful.”
Trump said the attack was “retaliation for the Iranians’ failed attempt at adding sea mines to the Strait,” adding that the mines had been “removed or detonated.” They were also a response to an Iranian missile launch at an American military base in Jordan.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that its latest wave of strikes against Iranian military targets has been completed.
“U.S. forces struck Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets including air defense sites, radar systems, maritime assets and facilities, mine laying capabilities, and communications sites,” CENTCOM said in a statement.
It went on to say that the strikes came after “recent attempted attacks by the IRGC against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and against American service members.”
CENTCOM said there were currently 50,000 US military personnel operating in the Middle East.
