Two large crude carriers loaded with Saudi oil were hit by unidentified projectiles within minutes of each other while sailing out of the Strait of Hormuz, according to maritime intelligence and
vessel-tracking companies.
The incidents occurred late on Monday near the Omani coast and mark a further deterioration in security conditions along one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes.
Maritime intelligence firm Marisks said the attacks on the two vessels were reported almost simultaneously, describing them as a significant escalation in the risks facing commercial shipping in the Omani corridor.
The Saudi-flagged very large crude carrier Sidr was struck at about 19:52 UTC while sailing roughly 16.6 nautical miles north-east of Khasab, Oman, Marisks said.
Shortly afterwards, the Liberian-flagged Senegal Prosperity was reportedly hit by three unidentified projectiles around 17 nautical miles east of Khasab. All members of its crew were reported to be safe.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency separately reported that three projectiles had struck a tanker in the same area as it was leaving the Strait of Hormuz, apparently referring to one of the incidents.
Neither Bahri, which operates Sidr, nor Sinokor, the operator of Senegal Prosperity, immediately commented on the reports.
Both vessels were carrying substantial quantities of Saudi crude. Data from shipping analytics firm Kpler showed that each tanker had loaded about two million barrels of Saudi oil at the Juaymah terminal the previous week.
The attacks come as commercial shipping through the Strait remains severely disrupted amid a wider confrontation involving Iran, the United States and regional powers. Restrictions and blockades imposed around the waterway have significantly reduced Gulf energy exports and increased uncertainty for oil markets.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical artery for global energy supplies, with roughly one-fifth of the world's oil traditionally passing through it. Attempts by mediators, including Oman and Qatar, to secure an agreement allowing shipping to resume more freely have so far failed to produce a lasting breakthrough.
The latest incidents also come amid renewed military tensions. Oil prices rose on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump issued fresh threats of military action against Iran, following renewed exchanges of fire that ended a period of relative calm since late July.
Saudi oil shipments through the waterway had resumed in August, after Saudi Aramco restarted crude loadings and sales from terminals located inside the strait.
The security situation remains fluid, with the latest attacks adding to concerns among shipowners and energy traders about the risks of navigating the waterway.
Earlier on Tuesday, Iranian media also reported that a Saudi oil tanker had been stopped while travelling through the southern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the report. Photo by Ali khodabakhsh, Wikimedia commons.
