Tanker Attacked in Hormuz Strait Amid Rising Tensions
A tanker caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after explosives were attached to its hull by a small boat. The incident occurred 25 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman, on October 29 at 22:12 hrs UTC. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the tanker was approached on the port side by a small boat, which attached two explosive devices to the hull above the waterline. This method of attack represents a notable shift in tactics, as previously, Iranian operations in the region relied on drones, missiles, or direct firing from small craft.
The subsequent blasts caused a fire in the engine room, temporarily disabling the vessel. The fire has since been extinguished, and the tanker is continuing to its next port of call. According to maritime security firm Vanguard Tech, the affected vessel was the Panama-flagged Louise 1, a 159,092 dwt tanker owned by Panama-based Aquarius Maritime Ventures. The incident shows the growing risks faced by commercial shipping in this critical waterway, which is a vital conduit for global oil shipments.
A Shift in Tactics
The incident was one of two attacks reported within hours of each other. Earlier, at 16:00 hrs UTC on October 29, a vessel was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The UKMTO noted that this attack occurred in the southern corridor close to Oman. Additionally, a regional trading dhow was initially reported as a tanker on fire, but authorities later clarified the situation, confirming the crew’s safe evacuation. The dhow, which listed and sank due to a large fire onboard, highlights the diverse range of vessels at risk in the region.
Escalating Tensions
The past month has seen a sharp increase in attacks on shipping by Iran. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported 34 confirmed attacks on vessels between September 28 and October 27, primarily in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran has recently expanded its targeting of shipping to a wider region, indicating a broader strategic intent. This expansion coincides with heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, where maritime security is increasingly intertwined with regional conflicts.
Below you’ll find a list of selected appearances by Marcus Hand, the editor of Seatrade Maritime News, on mainstream media discussing maritime and shipping news stories:
KBS World Radio – Korea24, May 2026
BBC News – Hindi Service, April 2026
RNZ – First Up, April 2026
