A major military escalation in the Middle East has resulted in the tragic death of one seafarer and in the injuries of several others following the attack by projectiles on two very large crude carriers. The strike, which took place in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, has dramatically heightened regional tensions, raising fears of a wider maritime war that could cripple global energy markets.
Abu Dhabi-based ADNOC Logistics and Services (ADNOC L&S) confirmed that in the early hours of Tuesday July 14 the crude oil tankers Al Bahyah and Mombasa B were struck by projectiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The company said one seafarer lost his life and several others were injured as a result of these attacks.
ADNOC L&S strongly condemned the attack and said it continues to work closely with emergency responders and other stakeholders.
According to the company, Al Bahyah, an ADNOC L&S-owned very large crude carrier (VLCC), and Mombasa B, a VLCC operated by ADNOC L&S under a time-charter arrangement, sustained significant damage in the attacks.
The Indian ministry of external affairs on Tuesday confirmed an attack on two vessels during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry identified the attacked ships as the ‘MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa’ and extended its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Indian national.
After the attack, the UAE’s ministry of defence also issued a statement, saying that the two ships ‘Mombasa and Al Bahiyah‘ were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz, within Omani territorial waters.
Providing details of the incident, the Indian ministry of external affairs (MEA) issued a statement condemning the attacks. It said: “India is deeply concerned by the attacks on two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz today. Both the vessels were carrying 30 Indian seafarers, among their combined crew of 46.”
The MEA said the Indian Mission in the UAE are closely monitoring the situation and are in touch with the UAE authorities to ensure assistance to affected Indian seafarers. “The Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi was summoned this morning by the Ministry of External Affairs and a strong protest against these attacks was lodged with him,” the statement read.
The ministry also reiterated its “deep concern” over the resumption of attacks and escalation of hostilities in the West-Asian region.
Condemning the attacks, India’s MEA called for an immediate end to violence and urged a return to dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace, security and stability in the region.
It stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region in line with international law.
Beside the fatality and the injuries, the attack also caused material damage to both ships as a result of the fires that broke out on board, the UAE’s ministry of defence said, but clarified that the fires have been brought under control.
“The UAE reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, its citizens and residents, in a manner that safeguards its sovereignty, security, and stability, and protects its national interests,” the MOD statement added.
The ministry affirmed the UAE is on the highest level of readiness and preparedness to address any threats, and that it is taking all necessary measures to respond decisively to any attempt to undermine the security and stability of the country. It urged the public to refrain from circulating rumors or unverified information, calling on them to obtain information exclusively from official sources.
US President Donald Trump on Monday said the U.S. is “going to get paid for guarding” the Strait of Hormuz, the major oil-shipping route and epicenter of the re-escalating war with Iran. Trump said US will be reimbursed “at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped” to cover the costs of providing security in the volatile maritime corridor.
Responding to Trump’s claims, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X: “POTUS is absolutely right. Whoever provides secure and safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz should be compensated for this service.
“Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of the Strait and will remain so FOREVER.
“20% is of course too much. We will be fair,” he said.
